Oftentimes, families and friends gather around the table for a meal shared in fellowship and happiness after a sermon on Sunday mornings. It's one of my very favorite parts of the week. Not only is the food great, but the people you share it with are always special.
Something I've found great comfort in is the hospitality of others, particularly those at SNU and scattered across small churches here in Bethany, Oklahoma. From the handful of times my boyfriend and I have visited William's Nazarene Church, we have left that church after the sermon with more offers to share in a family's Sunday dinner than we knew what to do with. People of all backgrounds, ages, and personalities have balked at the thought of us eating ramen noodles or some other college kid food, and graciously invited us in for lunch with them and their families.
This kindness has been such a blessing through the hectic, stressful, exciting schedule of a college student. It has made me question my own sense of hospitality, helping to open my eyes to the struggles of those around me. I'm striving to be better, nicer, gentler, and more understanding with others. I want to brighten someone's day, not just be another face in the crowd. Now, I'm not saying I'm anywhere near being good at this, but I'm going to continue to pursue that selflessness which God asks of us. I'm going to ask anyone who knows me to hold me accountable to this, because He knows I sure can't do it on my own.
When God made me, He gave me a very soft heart. He also made it kinda mushy, and scared of people. I struggle daily with the balance between being a kind person and being someone who turns a blind eye for fear of coming off the wrong way, or getting in the way, or some other excuse. It's a difficult mix, because not only am I more in tune to the pain and struggles of those around me, I am just as afraid or nervous to actually try and do anything about it, to help them.
In short, Sunday dinner with those who are gracious, accepting, and more than kind, will impact you in more ways than you will realize. Surround yourself with people who know the value of others, with friends who can give you the reality check you needed, and enjoy the time you spend learning together. Nobody is perfect, but nobody has to be perfect in order to treat others with kindness (and good food).
