I am loving Pinterest these days. I love pinning recipes for future meals, things I want to learn like knitting a fall sweater & making Pottery Barn like pots with moss, the flower garden I want around all four sides of my home and that will bloom without fail, the hand-made Christmas gifts wrapped in ribbons and bows for friends and family, the laundry room that will inspire me to make my own laundry detergent, stain remover and fabric softener and as a bonus make me love sorting, washing, drying and folding clothes. I pin the places I want to go, the parties I want to plan and things to do with my grandkids. I keep waiting for "all us girls" to show up at church in the same crisp white shirt, caramel colored skirt with the brown looped belt, drop turquoise beaded necklace and brown platform pumps. Pinterest has almost replaced my love of magazines but to be loyal, I even have a Pinterest Board for you got it...MAGAZINES!
This morning began like every other weekday morning. Up at 5:40, out the kitchen door, raise the garage door, put on a fleece jacket because I don't want to lose the warmth of my bed then outside where the darkness of night is not quite gone. I stomp loudly on the ground to lessen the chance of meeting a lingering nocturnal creature. This early morning routine is to water the plants and flowers that I know will not survive the heat of summer without an early morning drink. Then it is on to shower, dress, make a glass of iced coffee and in the car for the 40 minute ride to Murfreesboro. At first opportunity, I open my personal email to automatically delete the junk and read one or sometimes two of the online devotionals that I subscribe to. This is the devotional for today.
Uncomfortable Hospitality
I have a friend named Serenity who lives out hospitality in an incredibly selfless way. Along with her husband and four kids, this suburban family in the northwest started a food pantry out of their garage. They saw needs in their community and simply decided to do something. Serenity hosts meals inside the house too. At first, almost all the guests were complete strangers, spoke a different language, and were folks who most of us may feel a bit uncomfortable entertaining within our personal space or having around our children. But now they have become friends and Serenity tells me, "It is heartbreaking at times as Jesus shows lies, preconceived ideas, ignorance, and just plain fear in me. Being intimately involved in the lives of our neighbors has been one of the biggest blessings to my life with Jesus. They give me kisses, hugs, and endearing words as they leave our house that sometimes make me fall to pieces. I really don’t know how I get to be loved like this."
Serenity is honest about the struggles and the refinement in this journey of hospitality for their family. It is not always easy or pretty, but they are taking serious the Bible's call to care for people, whether it makes them feel comfortable or not. She says, "No matter how your house looks, the way you treat others overrides even the most immaculate, beautiful house. Hospitality is not about impression, it is about loving others."
Don't Fool Yourself
The most moving gestures of hospitality I have experienced have not necessarily been within large, pristine homes. They've not had manicured lawns and a table filled with endless delicacies.
So why do I, time and time again, fool myself into thinking I need those things to show hospitality towards others? Why do I allow insecurities of my housekeeping skills, my decorating budget, or my lack of nice shrubbery rob me of the joy? The most gracious gestures of hospitality have been from friends, family, and strangers opening up their homes and lives to us, especially in times of need. Their genuine love has trumped pretenses.
Biblical hospitality reflects a genuine heart, a focus on others rather than one's own appearance, and in those days there was often an element of danger, and definitely discomfort.
It meant providing lodging for strangers when the alternative was too expensive or too dangerous. It took vulnerable courage for the Christians in Rome to live out what Paul asked them to do when he said, "I appeal to you, by the mercies of God... do not be conformed to this world... Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12)
Do you, like me, aspire towards greater measures of hospitality in your home? Here are a few more thoughts:
- Pray and listen to the Holy Spirit. Be open to adjustments in your perception of hospitality.
Serenity talks about the ways their family has had to adjust to, and revise their expectations. They are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and the needs of their own children. For example, recently they began closing off their children's rooms while visitors were over because of the stress the mess was putting on their kids with people constantly in their home.
- Tidiness is a good thing, but not at the expense of relationship.
My husband and I decided years ago that if arguments started to boil up between the two of us in the mad dash to prepare for guests we would halt the clean-up and let our guests see the house as-is, an obvious humbling consequence. Our family relationships are more important than the appearance of a well-kept house. And what could be more nauseating to my family than to hear me snap at them, then instantly turn on a happy face when guests walk through the door.
This has resulted in an attempt to stay on top of chores consistently throughout the week so that last-minute visitors are always welcome. Try leaving that pile of laundry out instead of stuffing it in a closet; it might just make your guest feel even more at home.
- Imitate the example of the ultimate act of hospitality
If you are a believer in Christ, you have experienced the ultimate act of hospitality from your Savior: adoption into His family as a son or daughter, and permanent residency in his home. Allow this deep gospel confidence to influence the way you display hospitality towards others.
So what does this devotional have to do with Pinterest? For me...lots! Pinterest is the perfect home, the beautifully prepared and presented food and the perfect outfit for the day. And if it weren't about these things I probably wouldn't be interested. After all, who wants to look at what we deal with in our homes like a laundry room with dirty clothes and muddy shoes and the pot of stew that just spilled over on the stove top.
As a follower of Christ it is my desire to be used by Him whether that looks like opening my home to friends, neighbors and I would need help with this one...STRANGERS or sacrificial giving to leave a legacy to those behind me.
I will continue to love the beauty of a garden and a beautiful home but I pray daily to keep my love for all things beautiful in perspective. I pray and ask for heavenly guidance in keeping my heart close to His so that I see those around me through His eyes.
1 Samuel 16:7 "For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearnce, but the LORD looks on the heart."
Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for for Thee
Ready my God, Thy will to see
Open my eyes, illumine me
Spirit divine.
Love you!
Joanie
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