In early December, my friend Zandrah had a cookie exchange at her house and invited many friends from church.The night was so warm and cozy! Zandrah did so much to make the night special - I was so impressed by her hospitality. Ethan and dad were there to hang up coats, the cookies were so festively arranged, and we gabbed and gabbed for hours while listening to Christmas music. She had even arranged cute little bags to take the cookies home in including a burned CD of the music we had been enjoying. She thought of everything! (Here's a picture of a few of Abi's beaus from church playing in the living room while the moms ate!!)
It made me think of something we'd been talking about in MOPS. Hospitality can be such a gift we can give. Almost everyone has a home, and sharing it with others can bless in ways that we wouldn't expect. It does take energy to clean the house and think of meals and get the kids to be on their best behavior, but it's probably one of the easiest ways to bless others without really leaving our homes. And no home is too small, too cluttered, or too out-of-the-way. That's been my excuse for the past few years; our little apartment can't hold a lot of people, and I've let that hold me back. There's still boxes in the corner because there's no room to unpack them. But if I'm not using the space I'm given for the glory of God, why would he bless me with more? Zandrah obviously put a lot of thought into making her guests feel welcome. And I'm sure it took a lot of work to get everything cleaned, the food cooked, and the boys ready for company. But I know God will bless her for it, and God will bless her home for ministering her gift of hospitality to others. Thank you Zandrah, for being an example of hospitality to me and bringing some joy and relaxation into a hectic schedule!
