having a heart of gratitude has been a discipline i have been practicing for a bit. i think gratitude ties in hand in hand with hospitality, and because of that, somehow when i am around both i feel closer to the kingdom. while Jesus was here on earth, some might say that he loved people, that was all. but if you look at it a little differently, jesus' love came out of his hospitality to others. his loving interactions were 'others focused' ..drawing people in with a heart of thankfulness and humility. jesus' intentions were to be a place of respite in the unpredictable times of Israel.
i can be thankful and have a heart of gratitude every day, but when someone shows you what true hospitality is--right in front of your very eyes--humility overflows your heart.
on saturday, me and few other friends from my senior seminar class were treated to a surprise day. peggy campbell, a dear friend and co-instructor of my class treated us to a wonderful day that was full of surprise and blessing. we went from her home to the nixon library, then off on a duffy boat and then a helicopter ride. throughout those three stops were little gifts from peggy, whether money for food, snacks, or something from the store "life is good."
this past week i have been reminded that life is good. whether fear or greif or hurt comes into my life, I know that God is sovereign still. His promises remain and his truth still lies in the identity of who He is. In that truth, I want to follow Him with a heart of gratitude, hospitality and hope.
on balboa island at "life is good" with peggy
I am grateful to have a wonderful sister who never lets me forget how sweet life is. Thanks for these important reminders. And I'm so blessed to have your support while being engaged. Can't wait to spend the next 100 days soaking in all the sister time I possibly can!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for Erica's buoyant outlook on life -- you just make me smile :-)!
ReplyDelete