There is incredible untapped power sitting in your fridge. You’re about to witness extraordinary things spring forth from a carton of milk.
Once upon a time an outgoing girl met a determined guy, they got married and enrolled in seminary. They had beautiful babies, a start-up business, grueling schedules, and a small rented townhouse (with an even smaller paycheck to make it all work.) Though their calendar and budget were tighter than drums, their hearts for God and others were big as all outdoors. They yearned to knit themselves into the fabric of people’s lives through spiritual conversation and close companionship.
The hopeful pair had no fancy furniture to sit on or gourmet food to offer guests. In fact, their humble home had peeling wallpaper, cracked linoleum floors, and empty cupboards. But there was milk in the refrigerator.
The wife felt awkward the first time she reached out with this invitation;
“We would love for your family to join us after the worship service for cereal night in our home. If you wouldn’t mind bringing a box of your favorite cereal, we’ll provide the milk.”
With each invitation and subsequent visit the joy-swell of the couple’s hearts multiplied and the intimidation of hosting faded away.
Family after family came for cereal night. Some families had full cupboards and shiny new homes. Others had even less than the young couple.
All drank in sweet laughter and deep theological discussion as skim milk poured over Acts 2:46-47 and it came to life right before our eyes.
”…breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, praising God and having the good will of all the people.”
Cereal Night transformed a carton of milk into true hospitality.
Got milk?
Give it to God and watch in wonder as he turns it to baskets full of loaves and fishes to feed hearts starved for community.
How have simple acts of hospitality impacted your life?
Do you feel led to reach out to others in similar ways?
Sharing at Desire to Inspire.
I am always so thankful for friends who have invited Phil and I over and made us feel like family at the holidays. It’s hard being 2,000+ miles away from my own family and to know that we have somewhere to go makes me all warm and fuzzy on the inside. We’ve hosted a few get togethers here with friends, and I’d like to do more, but Phil’s work schedule doesn’t always allow.
Man, Schwen. Whenever I think of hospitality for lonely folks far, far from home all I can think of is Aunt Barb & Uncle Robert (always making us so embarrassed being frisky with his wife!) I have instant visions of her in an apron, him in a bee-keeper get-up, and the smells of something delicious cooking. I think their kitchen table was my favorite place in all of Tennessee (except for maybe the trampoline across the street). Oooh, I think I feel another hospitality post coming on. Got any pictures of us over there?
I’m so glad you’ve been “adopted” for the holidays. It’s always more special in the home of a friend when you can’t be with family! I wish I could have you over.
Lovely blog today.
Thanks, friend.
this is such a great reminder. thanks for sharing your heart and the truth about hospitality.
Sometimes it’s other people’s acts of obedience that preach the greatest messages. This couple really taught me a lot. So did your folks, by the way. The way they put on that addition & used it all the time to bring groups together made us determined to get a house with a “Klem Room” when we were house-hunting. =)
I went to a cereal night one Sunday night… It was great.. Thought it was a great idea.. Loved the people!!!!
Didn’t they set a good example?
I love this idea and I hope you do not mind me sharing it on faceboook. So many of us feel like we have to have perfect homes and just the right things fixed to have people over. When in actuality, like you said, a carton of milk would do!! Love it!!
Thanks so much for sharing! I’m always looking for better ways to practice hospitality, so I love it when friends share ideas. ;)
I’ve found that the times I’m most resistant to hostessing is when I let my inflated pride get in the way. That’s why my friends’ sacrificial hospitality – when times were so tight for them – made such a lasting impression on me.
Such a great reminder. I shared on fb and then saw it being passed around, so congrats on a very popular post. :)
Thanks, Kelly…that’s a good encouragement. Also, because you shared one of my posts this week that gives you an entry for my book drawing on Friday. ;)
I love this post! I hear so many people say they can’t have anyone over because the house isn’t good enough or they can’t afford it. This is a reminder that we need to use what we have and it doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. Thanks for sharing!
I loved reading this post tonight. I have been blessed by your hospitality so many times, Kerry. I love your heart for this area of service. The humble way this family served really speaks to me. I have found my heart yearning lately for a bigger and better place. God is giving me grace to use what I have, but I want to treasure where He has me…not just “get by.”