What happens when a child invites God to dinner? In “Mum, Is God Coming to Dinner?” by Louise Bonner, young Joel asks his mother a question that is both simple and profound: “Mum, is God coming to dinner?” What follows is a heartwarming journey of faith, family, and gratitude, showing how a single moment can turn an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.
In a sense, this is a book of connection—not with God, but with each other. Joel’s childlike faith, his insistence on inviting God in a physical manner, and the reaction of his family make for a heartwarming tale that readers of any age can identify with. His efforts at reaching out—through a letter, a phone call, or a message—demonstrate the simple and unshakeable faith of a child. Ultimately, he discovers that inviting God into our lives is as easy as a prayer.
This lovely work of literature is a reminder of the little things that make life worth living. In today’s hectic world, it is so easy to lose sight of the importance of sitting down to eat meals at the dinner table, sharing stories, and counting the blessings we have in life. Dinners are now hurried, eaten in lieu of takeout while watching television, or skipped because of hectic lives. Joel’s question reminds us, however, that the dinner table is not merely where we sit down to eat but a sacred place where love is shared, faith is established, and thanks are given.
Louise Bonner’s writing is quiet and captivating, and the book is a wonderful gift to families who desire to bring spirituality and mindfulness into daily life. She eloquently captures the essence of warmth in the home, the ease of a child’s imagination, and the deep, often unexpressed yearning to belong.
One of the book’s most touching moments is when Joel’s family sets an extra place at the table—just in case God accepts the invitation. While they know God doesn’t need a chair, the gesture itself is a powerful reminder that faith isn’t just about belief; it’s about making space for God in our daily lives. And what better way to do that than through gratitude?
Through simple yet profound moments, “Mum, Is God Coming to Dinner?” Encourages readers to ask themselves: When was the last time we truly appreciated the food on our table? The company of our loved ones? The quiet presence of God?
This book isn’t just for children; it’s for parents, grandparents, and anyone who wants to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in their home. It serves as an invitation to bring back the tradition of saying grace, to pause amidst life’s chaos, and to cherish the people sitting beside us.
With humor, wisdom, and love, “Mum, Is God Coming to Dinner?” Shows us that spirituality is not so much about heroic acts as about the mundane. The next time you sit down to dinner, take a moment, join hands, and recite grace—because the blessings are right there in front of us.
