It is strange sometimes to show up and expect to serve the host and yet be served in every possible way. What a blessing. Our team received genuine hospitality this month and I will never forget what the grandmother who so patiently and joyfully served us daily with her gift of cooking said to me after I asked her if I could help in some way.
"Glory be to God", said the grandmother.
It was an adjustment to not jump up and set the table or clean up or do something to help her and the other ladies. She reminded me of Romans 12:10-11. She took delight in us even though we were six strangers who showed up at her house for the month. Her hard work was a lot of times behind the scenes and she worked so hard and made sure with several watchful eyes as we would sit and eat what we liked and didn't. She enjoyed making food for us because she was doing it with a heart for Jesus. What if we had the mindset and heart as this grandmother does – to hold tightly to what is good, to love each other with genuine affection, and to work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality". Romans 12:9-13
"Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you". 3 John 1:5
