The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:7-11
Sally and I were given a great gift this weekend. We were asked to open up our home to 4 outstanding young men. One of the missionaries that Knox supports has a son that was getting married this Saturday in Mechanicsville. They used the church for their rehearsal dinner location and our pastor had opened his home to the missionary family. He asked us if we would open our home to a few more family, and we did. The awesome part for me was that we were hosting the groom and his 3 groomsmen. What a unique honor, to host a groom on the last night of bachelorhood.
Sally got to provide a place for some great young men to bed down for a couple of nights; not in a sterile hotel but, in a home full of love; and she got to cook a hearty breakfast for them to start this monumental day off on the right foot, with a full belly. And, at the end of the weekend, to provide a fine lunch to the remaining family as they head off back home.
For me, I was allowed by these young men, Daniel, the groom; Matthew, the younger brother and best man; Tom and Clay, groomsmen and college buddies and best friends; to share that last night together and to enjoy unifying beverages. As the old married guy in the room, with 19 years of marriage under my belt, I was asked to share some advice and mistakes and victories I have made over the years. The greatest thing for me was just to be there and eavesdrop and witness 4 Christian friends catch up with one another and share what God is doing in their lives and how they have grown in their faith.
That, and being able to answer some pretty profound questions from some of the guys.
We’ve always said that this house was a gift from God and he must have some interesting plans for us in its use. This weekend, we were able to serve a family that has given their life to service in the church as missionaries. That isn’t much in the greater scheme of things, but it was a big deal for them and a bigger deal for us.
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