May you never steal, lie or cheat.
But if you must steal, steal away my sorrows
If you must lie, lie beside me all the days of my life.
And if you must cheat, cheat death.
Because I could not live a single day without you
-Leap Year
A little house well fill'd, a little field well till'd, and a little wife well will'd, are great riches. -Benjamin Franklin
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The cost of hospitality
Hospitality is defined as the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers. Secondly, the quality of disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way. Hospitality is a gift that you give and should not expect anything in return. Hospitality is easy when you are prepared, when it is people you love, and when you are well. However, God rarely deals in ease and comfort. Silver isn't refined in a pleasant temperature. I am always amazed how the good Lord reduced you to a kicking screaming child as he is working on you. I was talking to my mother-in-law how I pray for the Lord to work on me and to use me. She replied "be careful what you wish for." I thought that was so weird at the time. God tells us to "practice hospitality" in Romans 12:13. He then instructs us to "offer hospitality to one an other without grumbling." That is it. There is no law that requires guests or strangers to bring a hostess gift. Hospitality is not even contingent on courteousness, thankfulness, nor kindness. I have been meditating on what it means to be hospitable. I believe that we are to practice hospitality in our homes in order to learn it in our hearts. I am so challenged by this and currently being challenged by this. I have an ugly little black heart and I know it. I know what I have to do and I am kicking and screaming. Gracious Lord, I know that when I open my home and offer hospitality without grumbling, it opens my heart to receives you warmly and generously. This is exactly the way I want to welcome you Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Please give me the strength to quite my grumbling. I pray for patience and kindness toward every one I meet so that I may glorify you. I thank you Lord for taking time to work and refine little old me.
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