Romans 12:10
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
My kids don't like it when I make fancy dinners. They hate it when I use the fine china. "Mom, can we not just use paper plates?" They like buffet style. They like take out and pick-up. I on the other hand like fancy dishes, homemade food that takes hours to make and consume, and at least two hours at the table for conversation with coffee and dessert. I think meals are intimate. They are an act of love and service. Someone thought enough to take the time, to prepare a gift. The sheer reward I get when I see everyone chatting, and eating is my reward. The giver truly is more blessed than the receiver.
So, yesterday I had an opportunity to bless someone for their birthday with a true Italian meal, cheesecake included. We enjoyed the meal and one another's company for five hours. It was a gift given and a gift received. I was so happy to use my fine china and fancy stemware.
In this busy world of take-out and paper plates it's a wonderful time to celebrate china! When I said that, I heard in a soft voice, "Handle friends like fine china and family like paper plates." I questioned what I heard. Do we? Are we guilty of handling friends like fine china and family like paper plates? We take for granted that family will understand. We think that we don't have to mind our manners and practice kindness, gentleness, and meekness with family, right? As I talked with God I felt, as if He knew my heart. I still wanted to celebrate my family like fine china. To me they are precious, and even more so because I waited so long for each of them to come into my life. I came from a big family and my family is somewhat small. I want to celebrate them everyday and bring out the fine china.
God wants to celebrate you and I like that. He is planning a wonderful wedding supper. He has been planning it for years. He wants us all there. You may ask how do you get invited? You were invited before you were born. When God sent His only Son to die on a cross for us, that was our invitation. God will not be in a hurry. In fact our Father wants to spend eternity with us. You simply need to make God your Father, Jesus your Saviour and the Holy Spirit your best friend. Then, you're in. You will have a place card with your name on it! I plan on seeing you at the table.
In this busy world of take-out and paper plates it's a wonderful time to celebrate china! When I said that, I heard in a soft voice, "Handle friends like fine china and family like paper plates." I questioned what I heard. Do we? Are we guilty of handling friends like fine china and family like paper plates? We take for granted that family will understand. We think that we don't have to mind our manners and practice kindness, gentleness, and meekness with family, right? As I talked with God I felt, as if He knew my heart. I still wanted to celebrate my family like fine china. To me they are precious, and even more so because I waited so long for each of them to come into my life. I came from a big family and my family is somewhat small. I want to celebrate them everyday and bring out the fine china.
God wants to celebrate you and I like that. He is planning a wonderful wedding supper. He has been planning it for years. He wants us all there. You may ask how do you get invited? You were invited before you were born. When God sent His only Son to die on a cross for us, that was our invitation. God will not be in a hurry. In fact our Father wants to spend eternity with us. You simply need to make God your Father, Jesus your Saviour and the Holy Spirit your best friend. Then, you're in. You will have a place card with your name on it! I plan on seeing you at the table.
ACTION STEP: Make plans today for you tomorrows. Get to know the Holy Spirit as your best friend. Talk with Jesus and walk with God. At first you may fill awkward but soon it will be as comfortable as a long-time friend. Make a fancy meal and minister to your family. They may wonder what the occasion is? Tell them you are simply following the Fathers lead, and wanting to show them His love. Oh and don't forget to use the fine china. You won't be needing it where you're going.
RSS Feed