Dr. Sullivan was given the chance to share the practice of hospitality and did so in such a wonderfully, well-thought out way. I was personally challenged by this in my own life. This quote was presented yesterday by Jason Foster, author of the book Christian Hospitality.
"Hospitality as presented to us in the Bible is not merely a practice. Instead, it is a way of life; a whole life view of the coming of God's Kingdom that offers us a uniquely Christian ethic. It is comprehensive, all-encompassing, exhilarating and challenging."
This quote, Dr. Sullivan's presentation and a snowy morning off from school have given me an opportunity to ponder and reflect upon my own life.
Yesterday, I started thinking about my own choices. When am I am given time to be hospitable to others? The thought which struck me was that my most important greeting of the day must be the one that I give to welcome my children to the day. At the Donahue house, I have the joy of waking the three wee little ones and leading them into the day. And at least 180 days of the year, those few moments affect the rest of our day. But it all starts the moment I offer them a morning greeting, whether it is by a silly song, a flickering of the lights or a grumpy "LET'S GO! LET'S GO!"
After yesterday's discussion, I realized the power in those moments.
Today, I acted upon that by having everything in it's own place, something that I have mentioned before here on the blog. Telling readers about the importance of living a more simple life and living a life as an example are two different monsters, I'll tell ya! Simplifying, by preparing the night before... deciding who is packing, who is buying. What will the weather be like? Where are your socks? Who will be in charge of breakfast? Taking the time to be just one step ahead made an incredible difference.
And then, I did the most difficult thing of all. I went to bed early. I still had work to do. There was still a dish or two to wash, some laundry was still waiting and I had papers to grade. Instead... I went to bed. Off with the tv, skip my reading time in the green chair. I even skipped facebook time! And it all paid off. I woke up early and woke up refreshed. I tackled the dishes, got myself ready and even had time to walk the dog just a little longer than usual.
This quote, Dr. Sullivan's presentation and a snowy morning off from school have given me an opportunity to ponder and reflect upon my own life.
Yesterday, I started thinking about my own choices. When am I am given time to be hospitable to others? The thought which struck me was that my most important greeting of the day must be the one that I give to welcome my children to the day. At the Donahue house, I have the joy of waking the three wee little ones and leading them into the day. And at least 180 days of the year, those few moments affect the rest of our day. But it all starts the moment I offer them a morning greeting, whether it is by a silly song, a flickering of the lights or a grumpy "LET'S GO! LET'S GO!"After yesterday's discussion, I realized the power in those moments.
Today, I acted upon that by having everything in it's own place, something that I have mentioned before here on the blog. Telling readers about the importance of living a more simple life and living a life as an example are two different monsters, I'll tell ya! Simplifying, by preparing the night before... deciding who is packing, who is buying. What will the weather be like? Where are your socks? Who will be in charge of breakfast? Taking the time to be just one step ahead made an incredible difference.
And then, I did the most difficult thing of all. I went to bed early. I still had work to do. There was still a dish or two to wash, some laundry was still waiting and I had papers to grade. Instead... I went to bed. Off with the tv, skip my reading time in the green chair. I even skipped facebook time! And it all paid off. I woke up early and woke up refreshed. I tackled the dishes, got myself ready and even had time to walk the dog just a little longer than usual.Today, instead of running around lost, I greeted them into the morning with this simple song, humming in their ears. Terry Taylor, I owe you dinner!
Of course, my own singing was probably enough to rattle anyone awake, but it was the simple "Good morning. I'm so glad you are my child," which seemed to really bring a smile to their faces. Or again, maybe it was just that I had stopped singing.
This week, I want to focus my blogs on simple words and simple stories. Also, this week, I will be formulating all of the past blogs into notes for the Sunday school lesson. I would appreciate any feedback, concerns or questions you might have that would help clarify my lesson. Feel free to post thoughts here on the blog, or e-mail me at chipashley@aol.com.
Link of the day...
http://salemdailybiblestudy.blogspot.com/ Dr. Sullivan prepares a daily bible study for anyone who may be interested. This simple click and five minutes a day has been a major factor in my spiritual growth over the last few months.
Quote of the day...
"If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first."
Mark Twain
Chew on that one for a while. It'll come to you.
Bible verse of day...
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." (Psalm 143:8)
Link of the day...
http://salemdailybiblestudy.blogspot.com/ Dr. Sullivan prepares a daily bible study for anyone who may be interested. This simple click and five minutes a day has been a major factor in my spiritual growth over the last few months.
Quote of the day...
"If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first."
Mark Twain
Chew on that one for a while. It'll come to you.
Bible verse of day...
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." (Psalm 143:8)
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