Hospitality is love in action...

The warm welcome we have received here in India is truly amazing. Saroja had a sari made for both me and for Amy.  One night, she even stayed up late to massage coconut oil into our hair as that is what she does to make her hair so beautiful.  Vijaya has cooked tirelessly for us in the kitchen making sure that we get to try all of the best curries, chutneys and other amazing Indian goodies.  Ratnakar has arranged countless details for the schedule this week and has been an incredible leader.

These verses have a new light shed on them as we have experienced the gift of hospitality and the love of God through this family. We have been clothed, anointed, and we have enjoyed such wonderful feasts.

“I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God. For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10

“You prepare a feast for me….You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings….” Psalm 23:5

Giving thanks for the way these friends teach me about sharing the gospel and our very lives…

(below is a post I wrote about hospitality two years ago when we were here…)

October 5, 2012

The Spirit of Hospitality

Hospitality in India is extraordinary. Indians believe in the maxim, 'Atithi Devo Bahava', which means 'Guest is God'.  We have laughed about this as I have tried to offer to help with the dishes or any other chores, and they simply tell me that I am their guest and they kindly turn away my offers to help. It reminds me of the Rule of St. Benedict: "All guest to the monastary should be welcomed as Christ, because He will say, 'I was a stranger, and you took me in.' "

Hospitality is a true expression of faith working itself out in love. My friends here have included me in the very best that they have received and that they can offer. 

I read this in a book called Soul Space today and this fits right in with what I am experiencing in being included in this family here so beautifully: "An ancient Rabbi once asked his pupils how they could tell when the night had ended and the day was on its way back. 'Could it be,' asked another, 'when you see an animal in the distance and tell whether it is a sheep or a dog?'  'No,' answered the Rabbi. 'Could it be,' asked another, 'when you look at a tree in the distance and tell whether it is a fig tree or a peach tree?' 'No,' said the Rabbi.  'Well, then, what is it?' his pupils demanded. 'It is when you look on the face of any person and can see your brother or sister. Because if you cannot do this, then no matter what time it is, it is still night.' "  

Marjorie Thompson concludes her chapter on hospitality: "As we learn to receive God's hospitality to us, we will become more hospitable to God, to each other, and to our fellow creatures. This will make us a different kind of community.  Others will see something enticing in us. Perhaps they will even say "See how they love one another." (Soul Space pg 143)