One day in Northeast Africa, I was meeting with a local friend because she invited me to eat lunch with her family in their quaint and humble home. In an Arab culture this means that you will be spoiled with courses of delicious food as they pour their unmatched hospitality upon you.
I learned in our cultural training to bring a gift, like mint for tea or pastries, to the family when visiting their home. It is a way to be polite and to show gratitude for their hospitality. Unfortunately I forgot to bring a gift with me because I was running late to catch the unpredictably-timed bus. But my friend and her family were so gracious and made no acknowledgement of my cultural foopah.
The day was fabulous. Not only did the family lavish lunch and tea upon me, but they kept me in their home until 8pm and fed me some lovely dinner and dessert as well. As I left, since this would be the last time I would see my friend, she even surprised me with a friendship bracelet and a mini teddy bear. I felt so loved but I hadn’t gotten her a gift in return.
This was such a sweet day spent with my friend and her family, but I felt so helpless and undeserving because I had nothing to give them to show my appreciation for their generosity and hospitality.
But I realized later that I did have one thing to give them and it is the best thing I could give. All I had to give was an example of the unconditional love and joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus – something that brings fulfillment unlike material things or money.
