At His Feet

I'm tired. I work hard. Really, really hard. My days are filled with kids, life, household management, family budget (ugh,) two jobs, which I love and friendships which deserve my attention. 

I really just want a break. Time for me. There are days when I truly do nothing for myself, besides, maybe eating. Some days I may take a shower, but even that can't always be counted as doing something for myself. Trust me, sometimes, the shower is for the benefit of others!

I really just want the beach, my Pinterest app and a great book. Don't I deserve this? I work so hard. 

This feeling of "deserving a break" is reinforced by society. Women are constantly pounded with messages that it is our right to have free time, that I should be allowed to indulge in selfish pleasures since I work so hard everyday. 

But recently I was challenged after reading an article that asked readers to find examples in the Bible of when Jesus took a break. 

Great. Sigh. The greatest man to walk the earth. A sinless Savior whose time on earth was spent healing the sick, and calling His disciples to be fishers of men. How on earth will I find examples of Christ, to prove my point, that I work hard and therefore deserve rest. 

Suddenly my entitlement of deserving a break lost merit. To my excitement, I did find that Jesus did indeed rest, but wait until you see how He spent His restful moments. 

During Jesus' life, He required the rest and refueling that all humans require to go on. Jesus knew this and was intentional to retreat from crowds and even His disciples, to get this much needed (and deserved) rest. 

But, you won't find Him searching Pinterest for fish recipes.

Jesus spent time at the feet of His Father. He rose early in the morning, or would withdraw to a mountain area to spent time alone with God. And He definitely didn't make a scene about all the work done today and therefore deserving of some rest. 

"Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray."

Mark 1:35

"After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray."

Mark 6:46

Jesus carried an unimaginable weight on His shoulders during His time here on earth. Yet, He knew the one true way to gain strength, to refuel, to rest. He wisely spent his time alone with God. 

As a busy mom, wife, ministry leader, coach and friend, I must find time periodically to refuel, rest and spend time with My Father. 

I can't let this challenge go by. Now that I know how Jesus spent his time, I have no excuse but to re-evaluate my time and how I use it. 

I've begun to make over my mornings allowing me more time to sit at His feet, and soak up His Word. Committing to give Him the first moments of my day.

I have intentionally re-framed the way my family spends the Sabbath. 

But I also know, now, that my attitude needs adjustment. I do work hard, and I do deserve rest. BUT, they way I spent my time refueling should draw me closer to my Father, rather than worldly distractions (Eh hum... Instagram).

Nourishing my soul needs to take a priority over leisure, and lasting joy is found the more I sit at His feet. 

Why We Love Hospitality

I truly believe, with everything in me, that lives are changed, transformed and more, in the home.

Tears are shed over coffee around the kitchen island.

Life decisions are made around the dining room table.

Calories are inhaled on the back patio (either yummy s’mores or BBQ ribs!)

Forever friendships are strengthened on the couches with a deck of cards and popcorn.

Prayers are lifted around the kitchen table.

Right?

Knowing this, how much more seriously should we take the moments we have in our home and with others?

I honestly feel the weight of this. It’s a burden. But we’re not in it alone, we’re in it together! 

Imagine 10, 20 or even 30 years from now, opening up a box, full of pictures, or maybe a scrapbook or photo album. Imagine those pictures capture the memories of every time you welcomed people through your front door. 

What would you see in those pictures?

Who would you see?

The Bible talks a lot about hospitality. Jesus himself often spent much time in the homes of friends, and friends of friends. In those times they learned, loved and laughed together. They experienced grace, and demonstrated grace.

Showing hospitality means demonstrating love, offering grace, being intentional with your time and focus. It takes work, but I believe it is some of the most important work we do.

Good 'ole fashioned hospitality can be as nourishing for your soul as it is for your belly!

Whether you're serving lemonade, gourmet appetizers, or a bowl of popcorn (with ranch seasoning, of course...) you are creating memories for you, and in the lives of those you welcome. Next time, take a snapshot, and savor the memories.

Check out a few of my favorite links to get you excited and ready to launch into making your home the most hospitable home on the block. 

Hospitality Outside the Box: from Feathers In Our Nest. 

Hospitality: from She Reads Truth

60 Family Tradition Ideas: from The Art of Manliness

Last Minute Tips: from Nicole V. Bennett

Family Traditions: from Focus on the Family