Generous Living

               It was the crack of dawn in El Salvador as we stumbled through the dark to slip on our scrubs. This morning would be filled with heat, sweat, and lots of hiking as we would be going up to the mountains to supply medical attention.

              I started to notice that within most of these homes you could always spot a stack of plastic chairs sitting in the corner. When we would arrive the family would hurry to set the chairs out and invite us to take a seat. It didn't matter their socioeconomic status, how impoverished they were, or even how old they were they gave generously and hospitably to us strangers. These chairs, I realized, were a part of their culture. This culture they lived in that was defined by community and generous giving.

            I love hosting. If you are on my college campus you'll most likely see one of my posts inviting others over. Whether it's for a Friendsgiving, a Galentines, or just to come eat some extra pumpkin bread I made I enjoy having others over. 

            I also love making people feel at home. If someone walks into my apartment I want to make sure everything is just right, from the scent in my diffuser, to the lighting, to the music in the background, to even the snacks available.Whoever walks into my home I want to sit them down with a coffee and a treat as fast as I can, because when a person feels at home is when they can start to honestly share their heart. 

         It's something God has given me. That desire to be hospitable. To drop off notes of encouragement to random peoples doors or bake cookies to give others an opportunity to come sit and chat. I've been reflecting  and I've realized the deep desire I have for my life to be one that has generosity, hospitality, and intentionality strewn throughout it. That every aspect of myself will shimmer with those characteristics of Christ.

       But let's be honest, it's a lot easier to stay comfortable. To only spend time with my close friends, to stay behind closed doors, to stop reaching out... It's easier to be selfish. 

      But I don't want to my life to end one day and I have to look at Jesus with my hands full of things I did with only myself behind closed doors. I want Him to see a life full of open doors, full stomachs, walls breaking down, tears being spilled, flaws being exposed, community being made, and laughter echoing through the halls.

       Growing up my parents were always heavily involved in our church community and every weekend our doors were opened and people from every area spilled in and out. Whether it was youth groups having a pizza party or having refugees over for Thanksgiving. It helps to set the example for what I wanted to have.

      As a college student I'm limited in what I can do for others. I don't have a job, a home to myself, an income. All I have is my hands that can create food and write encouraging notes, my mouth that speak truth and love and wisdom, my eyes that can search for those who are hurting, my arms that can hold the broken, my mind that can think up creative ways to bless others, and my feet that can take me to those who need to be blessed. 

      So for this year and the rest of my life I want to train myself to live as generously, as hospitable, and as intentional with others as I can. To give with what I have even if it isn't much. Life is too short to spend it comfortable behind closed doors. 

(so I guess be looking out for many homemade things to try next semester haha)

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

1 Peter 4:8-11