Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9
When I think of Thanksgiving I think of time with loved ones, whether they be family or friends. I think of sharing the bounty that God has provided and encouraging one another as we list the things for which we are thankful. I think of gathering around the table. I think of those who have shown me hospitality on Thanksgiving as well as those to which I have opened my home.
When I think of Thanksgiving I think of time with loved ones, whether they be family or friends. I think of sharing the bounty that God has provided and encouraging one another as we list the things for which we are thankful. I think of gathering around the table. I think of those who have shown me hospitality on Thanksgiving as well as those to which I have opened myhome.Showing hospitality is not often the easiest thing to do. It requires planning and lots of work. There is a menu to plan, groceries to purchase, a house to clean, food to cook. If your guests will stay overnight there are rooms, linens, towels, etc. to prepare. For me, beyond all of these physical things that need to be done, there are spiritual matters that need even more of my attention.
In order to joyfully invite others into my home, I must first be thankful and content for the ways that God has provided for me. Does this make sense? Let me explain. The first house my husband and I bought was very tiny. In fact, most people said we were crazy to buy it! But it was affordable and a good first step for us. I was hesitant to invite people over because my house was too small, we didn’t have nice furniture, etc., etc. Our second home, where we live now, is much larger. We bought it as a fixer upper and let’s just say we are still “fixin’ her up!” But it is a nice home and I am very thankful…or am I?
Recently we invited missionaries and folks from church for a couple of meals over a weekend during our church’s missionary conference. While preparing during the previous week I found myself wishing I had finished or even started various projects throughout the house like painting my living room or buying a rug for the dining room. I started wishing my home was newer, nicer. Then it dawned on me that in saying my house was not “good enough” to show hospitality to others I was actually saying that God had not provided an adequate home. My house was never the problem. My pride and ungratefulness was the problem! I was prideful in that deep down I wanted to impress people with my home. Did I think people would think better of me if I lived in a home that could be on the cover of a magazine? I was ungrateful because in my reticence to open my home I was saying that what God had provided that was “not good enough.” I was saying I did not like what He had given me.
Upon realizing this, I immediately asked for forgiveness. I dedicated myself to presenting a clean home, a hot tasty meal, and a loving joyful hostess. By the time my guests arrived I was excited and happy to share all that God had given to us. My door and my heart were open wide. It was a wonderful weekend. No one seemed to care that my living room wall was half painted! The only comments were on how tasty the meal was, how sweet the fellowship and how much they all hoped we could get together again very soon! What I would have missed if I had allowed my ungrateful attitude toward all that God had given me to continue. I praise God for pointing out my sin and selfishness and helping me to look beyond myself so that I would not miss the blessing of serving others by opening my home and my heart! Have a happy Thanksgiving. May you find joy in sharing the bounty that God has provided you with those loved ones He brings in your path!
Praise Him!
Karen Twombly
(You can reach Karen at Karen@christianhomekeeper.org )
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