Volume 35: Rest In Hospitality

 

Earlier this week, Blake sent a text to our group "An older couple from First Baptist Mount Ida has invited us to their house for dinner on Saturday night. If you're interested in going please like this message so I can give them a head count"

A couple of minutes passed and the message still had not been liked...

For those of you who do not know, Mount Ida is a very very small town and you can meet some very interesting people... And not to mention, it was our last Saturday night off before we start working every day.. 

So, not knowing what this "older couple" would be like or what they would serve us for dinner (honestly expected pizza picked up from town), we agreed to go! 

Well, let's just say.... my expectations could not have been more exceeded.... WOAH. 

We pulled up to this BEAUTIFUL house and walked in to find the table set, home cooked meat and sides, and we were warmly greeted by Charlie and Carol. 

Tears even came into my eyes!!! What undeserved kindness!! They knew nothinggggg about the people they had invited over! Yet, when we walked into that house, it was if we had known them for years. 

Three hours later... we left with full stomachs and hearts and felt refreshed and cared for. We heard their whole love story, were encouraged by their faith, and overjoyed by their hospitality.

And now I add Charlie and Carol to my list of Hospitable Heros!!!!

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Back in 2021, I wrote this piece about hospitality, and it's still relevant she here we go:

For all 23 years of my life, I have been well taken care of. 

Last weekend, the Kinnebrews invited me over to spend the weekend with them, simply so that they could celebrate me for my “seven year anniversary with the Lord.” In the simple acts of kindness such as asking my family what my favorite meal is so that they could cook it for me to buying an ice cream cake and gifts, I felt special. As I left their house to head back to Greenville, I cried!!! as I began to think about how truly blessed I am. I do not deserve people like the Kinnebrews in my life yet their mentorship has taught me so much about who Jesus is and what a life with Him looks like. 

I have yet to stop thinking about how much that weekend meant to me. And what a difference it can make to find little, unexpected ways to make others feel loved and celebrated. 

I have grown up with so many amazing adults to look up to. I may not have had the opportunity to grow up in a close knit family with parents who loved each other, but through the Lord’s kindness, I have experienced hospitality at its finest. There are so many people that I will forever be in debt to. 

It’s people like the Burns, who are my second family. Who took me in and allowed me to join them on all of their adventures - whether weekends at the lake, movies on the weekend, or day trips to Six Flags. 

It’s people like EMcD and Mrs. Palmer who were there for me during school and cared for me well beyond my duties as President. And Mrs. Todd who spoke potential over me and believed in me as a student. And Mrs. Gumbart who held me to a higher standard and challenged me and pointed out things in me that I would have never noticed. And Coach Kate who would do anything for me and is invested in the long run. Who heard about my friend passing away and immediately called to check in on me.

It’s the people like all of the families in my old neighborhood, Charleston Plantation, who watched me grow up and who still care to keep up with me today. Jennifer Fruitticher, who would sit with me when she got back home, after I’d been babysitting, and just talk to me like a friend. Brigitte Terrel who trusted me with her kids and welcomed me into the family. 

It’s people like Russ and Laura who call me their family and welcome me into their home at any time, announced or unannounced. Whom I’m completely comfortable around.

It’s people like Anna Lynn and Raleigh who simply love to serve. Who have 14 college students over every other week and cook home cooked meals for them. Who buy heaters and chairs to make sure everyone feels at home. 

It’s people like Debbie and Wade who open their home for a weekend and love to host. From waking up early to cook breakfast to always checking in to see if anyone needs anything. 

It’s the people like Brashears who took me in immediately when she learned I had just moved to Greenville. And provides meals for me each week at school!

It’s people like Michelle and Drew, who you meet for the first time walking into church and then when you leave, she genuinely states, “Consider us family!” Who are aware of your presence and mindful to introduce you and include you in every conversation.

After any interaction with any of these people, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. I learn more and more about hospitality: what it looks like to live a life of welcoming others in and living with an open door mentality. That there is so much power in asking questions and staying invested. By doing these things, you become a safe place to the people around you. 

That’s what I want to be. May I be more selfless with my time and resources. 

How will I ever repay everyone for everything they have done for me? No amount of money nor gift could ever come close. 

All I can do is give back what I have received.