Back To School

I saw a funny 'first day of school' picture on Pinterest... kids standing tall, dressed nicely, smiling, backpacks on, lunch boxes in hand, hair brushed and there is mom.....jumping for joy behind the neat bunch!!  I can relate to that mom, whoever she is?!  As much as I love my kids and enjoyed a fun-filled summer, this day brings a bit of excitement for me too!!  All 4 of my precious ones are in school... all day.  It's been many years since I have had the house to myself during the school year.

Caleb is ready for First Grade

5th Grade, 9th Grade,7th Grade....here they come!

So, with a little time on my hands I feel inspired to write again!!  And what has inspired me today is the same thing that inspired me the last time I posted which was April 18th!!  I wrote about an organization in Ridgewood called Family Promise, a temporary homeless shelter for families.  Well, this weekend Scott and I are going to help a church in Ramsey that will be hosting families from Family Promise.  In preparation to do so, I read from a FP handbook which included some rules, regulations and tips.  On the last page I read an article called, "Client's Attitude vs. Volunteer's Expectation of Gratitude."  It was so helpful and profound.  The main point is that gratitude emanates from a sense of humility and humility takes trust.  So often, people who find themselves in a tough spot deal with some shame and may have a hard time building trust because they are around so many different volunteers.  As a result, when giving help to someone in need he/she may come across as ungrateful or unfriendly.  The article encourages the volunteer to be sensitive and not expect a lot in return, but to focus on the positives.  When we focus on the positives we help preserve some one's dignity which then allows the person to feel better about him/herself which increases the level of trust which then permits him/her to express their gratitude.  Wow!  That's a chain of events!!  And I am enlightened!!

Little did I know that practicing hospitality in a positive way could actually empower someone who might be struggling.  When we practice hospitality, on the homeless or on our own families, let's remember that we're dealing with people who need our love and acceptance as much as they need our good food :)

Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to open your heart and your home.

 

Hike or Bike for Homeless Families

This Sunday (4/21) we are going to participate in the Family Promise Hike or Bike for Homelessness.  Family Promise is the only shelter around that takes in children.  Families in the program have dinner and sleep in local churches and synagogues.  These Host Congregations offer hospitality to these families in crisis.  Volunteers prepare hot meals, eat with the families, play games with the kids and spend time with them.   If you are looking for ways to practice hospitality check out www.bergenfamilypromise.org.  Also, if you are interested in the Hike or Bike, it's not too late to participate!  Information is on their website.  We have formed a team called the "Super Walkers."  You are invited to join us (wear a cape!) or consider making a donation online.

Practice Hospitality with a purpose this weekend... 

help those who need it most.

Happy 2013

Happy New Year.  

It's still January so I can still say that, right?!  During a season of new resolutions and of new beginnings, I hope you will make practicing hospitality a priority during 2013.  Below is the reason why...

On Sunday, Rob (pastor of The Plant church) had us look at the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.*  That's not quite the hospitality I'm talking about, but wouldn't that be amazing?!  I want to share what stood out for me in this story.  Jesus and His disciples had been busy healing the sick, casting out demons and spreading the Good News.  They had been surrounded by the crowds for quite some time.  Jesus was suggesting some good ol' RR and the 12 disciples were ready.  They had been so busy, "they did not even have time to eat."  On their way to a "solitary place" the people recognized them and ran after them (picture crazy fans of a popular boy band).  Jesus "had compassion" on all those people so He stopped and addressed them.  The 12 wanted Him to send them away to the nearby villages to get something to eat... Jesus wanted His closest friends to feed them.  What?!  I usually carry around some 'clif kid' bars in my purse, but certainly not enough to feed 5,000!!  I think the disciples were just as confused.  How could their 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish feed so many?  Here's the cool part... When the 12 handed Jesus the food they found amongst themselves, Jesus looked up to Heaven and gave thanks.  When we think of hospitality, we think of inviting someone in, but in this story I see that hospitality is inviting God in!  As Jesus aknowledged His Father in Heaven, God performed a miracle... He multiplied the loaves and fish!  When we invite God in, when we aknowledge His presence, we avail ourselves to His power.  Now, that's cool!!  We may be tired, busy, sick, worried, but if we could just look up and give thanks, in the midst of our "stuff" we will experience a miracle.  That miracle may be internal peace that passes understanding or it may be physical healing... God knows what we need.  God knew the crowds needed to be fed, but He also knew that the 12 needed to be cared for.  After everyone ate and was satisfied, the disciples picked up "12 basketfuls of broken bread and fish."  Coincidence? 12 disciples who were hungry, 12 extra basketfuls?  God knows what He's doing.

So, as we practice hospitality this year, let's not forget to invite God in.  As you sit before a meal, pause and give thanks to the Giver... He has so much to give!!

*Mark 6:30-44 Story of Jesus feeding the 5,000