The Blessings of Hospitality (Guatemala series)

I had recently returned from my mission trip to Tactic, Guatemala (Impact Ministries) with a team from Harvest Bible Chapel in Davenport. It was an amazing experience that will be hard to truly describe and it has and will continue to take me a while to process.  I did want to record a few of the experiences and share where I was challenged, convicted, and moved.  I wrote about four topics that I will post within the next week or so, in order for you to have a glimpse of what God showed me and how I was compelled.

PART 3

The Blessings of Hospitality

Hebrews 13:16

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Almost thirty of us crowded through the gate as we entered the humble family’s home.  We were invited to not only dine with these gracious hosts but to be blessed by their company and love.  We were made, with care, copious amounts of delicious Guatemalan foods, and rich hot cocoa.  We were not only served but taught the traditions of how the food was made and had a chance to attempt the art of tortilla making for ourselves.  We laughed as many of us failed miserably in making that perfect tortilla.  Our hosts were sweet, patient and so gracious to us as we all talked, laughed, and ate.  

Though they had more than most in their community, they were certainly in need.  Nevertheless, they offered all they had to make us feel welcomed and blessed.  It made us feel so humbled to be cared for so deeply.  We were able to pray over the family, and they in return gave tremendous words of blessing back to us, even their young daughter offered up beautiful thanks as well.  

We all left their home, full not only from the remarkable food, but from the love they shared, giving what they had.  They were grateful for the community.  We were grateful to be blessed and loved on by their generosity.

I so often am convicted about how many times I fail to open my home to others.  I fail to invite, to serve, and to be a blessing.  I have more than enough to supply, yet my insecurities and inadequacies tend to reign and I worry more about myself than those that need to be blessed.  I worry about the clutter.  I worry that my house isn’t as big or as nice as it should be to make people feel welcome.  I worry my food will be inadequate, bland or not be satisfying.  When it comes down to it, my focus isn’t on others, or what God calls me to do, it is on myself.  I recognize now how much time I’ve wasted on the “not good enough” thoughts that I have missed tremendous opportunities to serve and be blessed by blessing others.  I pray that I will be bold to invite more people into my messy world, and show that I care, and love them, and not be consumed with the insufficiencies of what I have. It is not about the material things I have to offer, it is about the experience of caring and loving on others.

1 Peter 4:8-10

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.