I know a woman who is up in years who loves to have people over to dinner. She is a widow who lives by herself, yet cares for her home beautifully. When people come over, she prepares a delicious meal and then refuses to let anybody clear the table or wash one dish. The whole time you are with her she makes you feel loved and attended to. She has been inviting people to such dinners for many years and her guests are always treated to stories that are always seasoned with grace and garnished with humility and a servitude. She is sharp as a tack and can tell stories of old, down to the smallest of details, that let you know just how much she cares about people. After all, no one can tell you such details if they were not purposefully learning all they could about someone by spending time with them.
When you are with her, you want to jump out of your seat and start doing something to help her, but you know that by staying seated you are honoring her wish to provide the most enjoyable time for you that she can. On top of all this, she is witty and a delight to be around, for it seems that no matter what age her guests are, she can engage a person in a conversation that helps them to feel good. She is a woman who so clearly possesses the spiritual fruit of love, peace, kindness, and gentleness. I marvel at such people, for they are clearly being used by God to share His love. I am blessed to know her.
God’s Word says that we all have spiritual gifts. One of hers is hospitality. She encourages me and those who are around her to love others, and consider them more important than ourselves.
God’s Word also says,
“9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Thank you, dear lady, for offering us hospitality. You are indeed a faithful steward of God’s grace.
Rob
I have never been so touched as I was when i read your Blog.
I am not worthy of such a master piece of writing and I will never forget every word you have taken the time to write.
The greatest part about it was the fact that you saw what
my purpose was in my actions, to show God’s love to all I come in contact with. When you get to be 88 years old you wonder why you are still here, but as Pastor says we are to keep busy for Jesus and be Ready. And that is what I am trying to do.
Thank you so much for such a lovely tribute. I have never received one like it before or will never again.
God Bless You,
“The lady up in years”.