“You wanna come over?”
The invitation was an answer to my weary “It would be nice if…” ‘thought-prayer.’
Just a few little words, spoken softly. They made my day. We had been away for most of the weekend at a conference on Prince Edward Island. We had gotten back late Saturday night and thoughts of Sunday dinner were as far away as my next birthday.
There’s something special about enjoying a meal with a family on short notice. Everything is not perfect. And that’s part of what makes it memorable. It’s not about the ‘trimmings’ of the meal, the table settings, or the house. It’s about the fellowship. It’s about the heart.
It means that someone saw beyond themselves to a greater need in someone else’s life.
I remember the times when we’ve been on the giving end of a short notice “You wanna come over?” While my voice was uttering the words, my head was going through the chaos in each room of the house, thinking, “oh my, the house is a wreck!” But the pull of the heart was stronger- the urge that most surely came from God, telling me that this person standing in front of me really needed some care- and right now.
And where God prompts, He also gives the grace to perform what He has prompted.
Somehow, we’ve always had a few minutes to throw things into a closet clean up the house. We’ve always had time to wash a few dishes. We’ve always had a snack to serve (even when groceries were low), with food left over. We’ve always had strength to minister again, even at the end of a long day. We’ve always felt blessed when our company left because we met a need.
I am reminded of a passage in 1 Corinthians 16:17-18:
“…for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours.”
I’m challenged to increase the frequency of our family’s “inconvenient hospitality.”
Sometimes people’s needs can’t wait.
Sometimes if we think about hospitality too much, perfectionism invades and hospitality eludes. And we miss the blessings of supplying what is lacking in others’ lives.
It’s not easy- especially for us women, who want our presentations of hospitality to be near perfect.
That’s why there’s grace~ God’s enabling to do what we can’t naturally do, and sometimes wouldn’t choose to do.
When I’m empty, He’s full.
When I have a little, He multiplies it.
And it’s more than enough. Always.
LOVING your new blog. This topic was much on my heart and mind over the last few days. Reflecting on how much I NEED friendship and fellowship and how much hospitality is LACKING today. I am guilty as well and need to work on it. Especially the “inconvenient hospitatality” – I would always just say no – things would have to be “perfect”. Definitely need to work on that. (And just maintaining my home better.)
Thank you for your kind words. Hospitality is definitely a work in progress for me too!
Another great post that so mirrors my own heart on this topic…especially of late. With our church & city in hurricane recovery the time to be hospitable, to reach out and meet the need, is now. I don’t want to miss out on the opportunity because I had to have things perfect. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been praying for the NYers! And yes, the time for hospitality is always “now.” I know I need to be more sensitive to God’s promptings in my own life when He brings opportunities along. I’m sure you will be a blessing to many in your city as you recover from the hurricane!
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