Hospitality

Hospitality

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:41-42

I have to make myself stop and remember my friends, family, neighbors, co-workers aren’t coming to see my home. They are coming to see me. They are coming to spend time with my family. My kids aren’t robots, they may be cute and fun, or maybe not. They may be laughing but they’ll probably also be arguing. The dog most likely will be perched right next to the one guest with allergies.

Lord, help us to remember that true hospitality is focusing on that one good part. Let us be people who care more about the heart than anything else. Remind us what is really important and help us to bravely open our homes to others while cherishing our family at the same time.

Also, news flash, it’s no surprise that my family actually LIVES here in my home. Yet why do I labor under the pretense that “this is how we live”?? Yes, we have papers and shoes by the doors and a million hoodies. Guess what? So does everyone else.

I was thinking this morning about Jesus and the fact that during his ministry a shared meal was important. Something connects with our souls at the breaking of bread. Here’s what jolted me. Jesus didn’t have a home during his ministry. He did the sharing of meals in other people’s homes. This is how low on his list his dwelling place was. Outside appearances ranked absolutely dead last.

I’m all for creating a comfortable, cozy home for my family, but my home can’t take priority over my heart. I can’t lose sight that the people I care the most about actually live here. They are whom my home should be serving.