Dinner Questions
My husband is an expert at doing dinner questions.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and I’ve got Ken Tada in the studio with me today.
KEN: Hi, Jon-Jon. Great to be here!
JONI: Always good having you, hun. And I want you to explain what you mean by a dinner que–. Why do you need a dinner question?
KEN: I think dinner questions are essential when you’re talking about a group of people–more than four; or it’s just one of the opportunities so that everyone can join in in the conversation, rather than just talking to the person to your right or to your left. Everyone gets a chance to participate.
JONI: Yeah, that’s so true. Because sometimes in a group of maybe 8 people around the dinner table, you know you start talking to the person to the left or the right; you never get to hear from everybody else. It so helps everybody to just listen to each other. Recently, when we were on vacation…
KEN: Oh, yeah, that was a great dinner question. And so meaningful. If you had a Scripture that you would like to share for the person to your right, and give that Scripture to that person, what would it be?
JONI: I shared a special Scripture with the friend on my right. And it went around. And then, you gave me your Scripture because I was sitting to your right. Remember what it was?
KEN: Oh, absolutely. It was Romans 12:11-12. And I thought it was so appropriate, especially for you, Joni, because, you know, you exude enthusiasm.
“[But] never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
JONI: But why did you give me that verse?
KEN: Because I thought it was just special. And I think it was something that God would want me to give you. It was a present, not just from me, but from Him. You know, we all want to finish well. And that Scripture verse says, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” And I see that in you. Just sometimes, I think we all need to be reminded about it.
JONI: Well, when you looked directly at me and gave me that verse and explained why you thought I needed it, man, it brought tears. And it touched me like nothing else. Honestly, Ken, ever since that vacation, so many times I have remembered Romans 12 – “never be lacking in zeal.” I feel it when my zeal begins to fade, when my spiritual fervor begins to die. And it most often happens when my wheelchair starts to feel overwhelming. The older I get, I think you realize, the harder it’s become for both of us. And I find I’m struggling with it more and more as I age, and so, I just want you to know that that verse you gave me that night and the dinner question – Romans 12 – has become an anthem for me, honestly. It’s like this shield that extinguishes those fiery darts of discouragement from the enemy.
Okay, so back to you. Do you remember the verse that you were given by your friend on the left?
KEN: Yes, I do. Because it was so meaningful. And after I’ve had a chance to actually read it, it means so much more. It’s Psalm 41:1-2, which says, “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them. They are counted among the blessed in the land.”
JONI: Why did that mean so much that night?
KEN: Well, I think, Joni, because you and I both know, you know, our lives, we want to finish well, and part of that finishing well is to reach out to the weak, the people who are disabled.
JONI: Well, you do have regard for the weak. Plus, you have regard for me when I’m weak. You take such good care of me. And because of it, Ken Tada, may the Lord deliver you in all your times of trouble. So, friend listening, try doing a dinner question like this the next time you’re together with friends. Today’s program underscores how much the Word of God really should shape our lives. You want a good topic the next time you share a meal with family or friends? Well, you won’t find a better thing to discuss than how God’s Word has influenced your life. Good idea, huh, Ken?
KEN: Absolutely, good idea.
JONI: So, thank you, Ken for all your fabulous dinner questions! I love it!
KEN: Well, thank you, Joni. And I would encourage all of our friends to do the same thing.
JONI: Yep, all our listening friends – do your dinner questions!
