The Table of Knowledge

Recently, I discovered the” Table of Knowledge.” I was having breakfast in a small town in Western Massachusetts and there it was. I enjoyed looking at, and thinking about the painting, and table, while I ate one of the better omelets I’ve had in a while. 

It made me think of how my dad had a regular lunch table at a diner in my home town. When I worked with him, he would take me to lunch, joining some of the other local businessmen. I always knew where to find him at lunch time. Sometimes, even when I wasn’t working but just in town shopping, I would find the men for lunch.

Understandably, I became familiar with the kind of knowledge they covered.

That morning I was obviously the only stranger in the diner that contains the official: table of knowledge. I looked around. It seemed acceptable to inquire about the table. 

I learned that indeed, there is a regular group of men who gather at that table. Right there under the “Rockwellesqe” painting by ‘norma lane 86,’ they gather to share their knowledge. Word has it, they still resemble the painting, but without the wood stove. 

When I asked if I could take a photo, they were a bit surprised, but glad to let me capture the memory.

An older gentleman sitting at the counter volunteered that the “knowledge” at the table was not exactly scholarly. I smiled knowingly and chuckled to myself. Yep, I know why it is not called the “Table of Wisdom.”

Whether Knowledge or wisdom, those conversations are the stuff that lasting relationships are made of. Passing time with friends, discussing weather, hobbies, health, sports, telling a joke, sharing encouragement, and maybe even a little business. These, and more, are all captured in the painting. In this remote diner, the carefully reserved table of knowledge is protected.

Growing up, I guess we had our own table of knowledge in our home when we ate meals together, especially dinner. Relaxing banter with the family and debriefing the day was normal. It was harder to do when I was raising a family, but we still managed it most of the time. 

Dining together at home, with or without friends, is somewhat of a lost art. 

^“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Perhaps a reader or two might revive the art of the table of knowledge. New and inventive ways are encouraged!