Breaking Bread
Hello, friends! I’m so excited to welcome you to our little corner of the internet where we talk all about community—how to find it, nurture it, and be the community for others. In this weeks podcast episode we shared a little something that’s been close to our hearts: breaking bread. Yes, literally sharing a meal, but also much more than that—it’s about finding connection in one of the most simple and profound ways. You can listen here, or read on below to dive into not only WHY but some practical tips into the HOW so you can eventually focus on what matters most: the WHO of breaking bread together.
The Power of a Shared Meal
Since the beginning of time, meals have been a space to come together. It’s something deeply human. And let’s face it, you can’t break bread over a screen. You need real, face-to-face time, sitting across from someone with a cup of coffee or a plate of homemade spaghetti. Michael and I are total foodies, and we love everything about it—cooking, eating, and yes, watching cooking shows too. But beyond the food itself, there’s something sacred in sharing it with others. It’s where walls come down and deeper conversations begin. However, the simple act of sharing a meal comes with its own challenges, especially if you’re in a busy season of life—like raising young kids. We get it. Life is full of obstacles, but we’re here to offer a bit of encouragement and maybe even a solution or two!
Loneliness in a Connected World
Even in today’s hyper-connected world, so many of us feel disconnected. In fact, studies show that 36% of Americans reported feeling seriously lonely, and for young adults aged 18-25, that number jumps to 61%. For mothers with young children, it’s 51%. That’s a lot of loneliness.
The data doesn’t lie—whether it’s young moms, students, or even kids, we’re facing an epidemic of isolation. But there’s good news. Building intentional community, even through something as simple as sharing a meal, can make a difference. A Harvard study from 2020 shows that connection can be a lifeline, and so many of us are seeking opportunities to connect outside of work or our routine.
Overcoming the Obstacles
Let's be real—breaking bread with others is not always easy, especially when you're juggling kids, jobs, and the general chaos of life. There are countless reasons why you might hesitate to invite someone over for dinner on a Friday night:
You’re exhausted.
Your house isn’t as clean as you’d like.
You’re worried about what to cook or how to cater to picky eaters.
You’re just not comfortable opening your home to others or just don’t enjoy the chaos.
Trust me, I’ve been there. As a mom with two young boys and a husband who’s often out of town for work, it can feel overwhelming to think about hosting anyone. The chaos, the noise, the mess—it’s real.
But here’s the thing: none of that truly matters when it comes to connecting with others. Your house doesn’t have to be spotless. The food doesn’t have to be gourmet. What matters is that you’re showing up, offering space, and opening your heart.
Our Story: Supper Clubs and Spontaneous Spaghetti
Before we dive deeper into breaking down those obstacles, let me tell you a quick story. When Michael and I were newly married and living in Washington, D.C., we started something called Supper Club. Every month, our small group of friends would pick a restaurant, dress up (sometimes hilariously overdressed), and enjoy a night out together. We’d laugh, eat, and most importantly, grow deeper in our friendships. So we had our monthly gatherings but we were also in a season of easy spontaneity. We would get a call from our neighbors asking if we wanted to pop by for spaghetti in an hour- and we would! That was a fun season.
When we moved to Germany, we kept the tradition alive, only this time, we rotated hosting dinners at each other’s homes with a totally new group of couples. No fancy restaurants—just homemade meals and cozy conversations. It became a rhythm we looked forward to, and it deepened our bonds in ways we never expected. Caveat- up until our last year in Germany, nobody had kids yet! So we had total flexibility to host and do this each month. Kids would change this tremendously.
Then, we moved to Georgia, and having people over for dinner started to look really different. We were now young parents with a newborn and a toddler. I had little capacity to cook really lovely meals, my house was usually a mess and the thought of inviting MORE chaos into my home in the form of another family with young kids felt like… a lot.
BUT- we got creative, let go of the pretense and survived those chaotic times with what we like to call the “Pizza Night Era.” What started as a simple solution to our hosting anxieties became a cherished tradition. Every week, we’d invite friends over or go to them, the host would put together some pizzas and we would let the kids run wild. The joy of not having to cook, plan a fancy menu, or stress over the state of the house was priceless. And the fellowship was always so incredibly life giving.
Of course it doesn’t have to be pizza, it might be chili and cornbread or a big chicken Caesar salad or even CEREAL. Listen, if cereal is what gets you in community, we support it.
If you’re in a similar season, here’s a little encouragement: your home doesn’t have to be spotless, and the food doesn’t have to be gourmet. Embrace the chaos, throw together a simple meal, and let go of the pressure to be perfect. Your friends—and their kids—will appreciate the effort more than the details.
Let me pause here to also say: if you find yourself in a season where you DO have time and your home is not a hotbed of chaos: invite that young family over! Michael’s parents had us over for dinner once a week for the entire 3 years we lived there and my goodness what a blessing. I didn’t have to meal plan, cook or clean but we got to enjoy a lovely meal, someone else entertained and loved on my kids for a minute and we got to visit with other adults (young moms everywhere- I hear you cheering.) If it is your capacity to do this- please know, it will BLESS that family tremendously!
Lessons Learned & Overcoming the Obstacles
Let’s dive deeper into a few of the obstacles we presented at the beginning:
You’re exhausted.
Plan ahead, keep it simple, and get your spouse on board to help.
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the value of support from your partner. When both of you are committed to making these gatherings work, it’s a lot easier to enjoy them. Wives- ask your husband for help if you need it! Husbands- be willing to meet her there. Get home from work on time. Help prep the meal or entertain the kids. Pick up the pizzas! It has to be a team effort in both heart and execution, and this is easier when everyone is on board with the PURPOSE behind these gatherings. It’s not just about entertaining; it’s about being in it together and fostering connections that matter.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that planning doesn’t have to be complex. Pick a few dates each month for a meal with friends, keep it simple, and don’t stress if things aren’t perfect.
Your house isn’t as clean as you’d like.
Realistically, whose is? But also, it’s probably cleaner than you think. Maybe it’s not and this is a solid motivator to clean things up a bit. But if you are anything like me, you just have to take a deep breath and realize your close friends are not judging the crumbs under the table or laundry that needs to be folded. They are just excited to be there!
You’re worried about what to cook or how to cater to picky eaters.
So practically speaking, if you plan in advance you can always ask if there is anything they are allergic to or don’t eat. I always find this so helpful and caring when people ask! And then outside of that just simply: don’t worry about it. Let them know “we are grilling chicken and making broccoli and mac n cheese on the side- if there is anything else you want to bring or add to, please feel free!” and if they have worlds pickiest eater then chances are they will and that’s great! And you can always have a PB&J and some fruit on hand if the kids really need something else.
You’re just not comfortable opening your home to others or don’t enjoy the chaos
To this I would say 2 things: get creative and EMBRACE IT. Go outside, meet for a picnic, have an activity ready for the kids, ask if they can quiety watch a movie if it’s really too much, only invite over one family at a time. Find what works for you, and at the end of the day, embrace it and remember: the love and community you build will be worth it.
It’s Worth It
Friends, breaking bread with others is worth it. It’s worth the messy houses, the tiredness, and the awkwardness of getting out of your comfort zone. Sharing a meal—whether it’s dinner with another family, lunch with a co-worker, or ice cream with your neighbor—is about more than food. It’s about opening your life to others and creating a space where real, lasting connections can grow.
So next time you’re wondering whether to host, just remember: it’s not about the food or the spotless house. It’s about gathering around the table, sharing laughter, and making memories. And if all else fails, cereal for dinner is always an option!
So, what’s holding you back? I encourage you to think about how you might invite someone into your life this week. Who can you share a meal with? How can you be the start of community in your corner of the world?
Bon appétit!