Daily Lenten Devotion Sunday, March 16, 2014 The spiritual gift of Hospitality is one that God has blessed me with, but I have not been practicing it for the last three years. After suddenly losing my husband of 35 years, I was not able to continue to share in this gift. This was something he and I did as a couple and we both enjoyed planning, cooking, and entertaining together. When one loses a spouse, changes are evitable and I accepted the fact that this was no longer something I could maintain doing alone. But then the sermon series at JKC began, with Hospitality being the second one we heard and learned about. There I sat pondering if I could once again begin to open my home to friends and perhaps continue to heal from my sorrow and loss. Sometimes when we experience waves of grief, God sends us little nudges that help move us forward and gives us strength to face transitions. I felt that God was moving me to once again fulfill my spiritual gift. I had a choice of staying in that void of not using my gift of Hospitality, or a choice to express to my friends my thankfulness and the blessing of having them be a part of my life. I invited some John Knox friends over and the evening was filled with fellowship and laughter. I discovered that I was more resilient than I thought. I’m so glad that the sermons encouraged me and God moved me to accept this new reality that I can apply this special ability, because He equips me. The gift of Hospitality that I gave, was small to the gift that I received. Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Lydia Flauto
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 09:00:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015