In April of 2020 we were looking to sell a desk chair on Facebook Marketplace. It was a fairly average desk chair - faux leather, wheels. We just didn’t have the same need for it anymore, and so we posted it at a modest price one evening.
I went to bed shortly thereafter, and woke up to no fewer than 15 inquires about that desk.
“Is is still available?”
“I can come at a moment’s notice. Please let me know if still have this.” (That message was sent at 4:32am)
“I will pay double. Can come your way asap.”
I was overwhelmed.
And this is why I would be a terrible business person because I have no sense for the market. I had not put together that by April of 2020 the reality of this pandemic was settling in, and many people were seeing all-the-more clearly that they would be working from home for an unforeseen amount of time.
Suddenly, finding a decent desk or a chair for your desk was near impossible.
I told the first person who replied they could buy the chair, and you would have thought I was had agreed they could have one of my organs. This guy’s messages made it clear that he was truly overjoyed!
It has been strange, hasn’t it, to see what items have found themselves in sudden, acute demand? Toilet paper, lumber, desk chairs…and much, much more.
It has made me wonder what might be next, and here is what I have come up with:
I think dining tables are where it is at.
Maybe not literally. And maybe (probably, even!) we won’t have any trouble finding a good dining table at any point in the coming year.
But…
Given how long so many of us have endured different stretches of isolation or limited contact,
Given how many social events and gatherings have either been canceled, put on pause, or downsized,
Given how many relationships we have not been able to nourish with nearly the same regularity (FaceTime and Zoom just can’t substitute for the real thing!),
…it is my sense that we are in a time when there is an acute longing to connect.
To belong.
To know and be known.
Which is to say, I think we are in time where gatherings at table with one another is not only a pleasant thought, but one we ache to know far more regularly and far more deeply.
Again, I don’t know that you have to begin placing your orders at IKEA and Pottery Barn before they run out of dining tables. But…it probably wouldn’t hurt to take a look at your current table, begin cleaning it off, and consider the neighbors near and far who might be truly overjoyed if they were offered some time at at that piece of furniture.
Love all of your stories… cleaning off the table today to celebrate our sons 50th birthday..everyone is going around the table!