Tip of My Iceberg

They were coming. We had to prepare.

Our oldest grandson is coming home for spring break–and he’s bringing thirteen of his closest friends with him. When you go to school in northern Indiana, the warmth of Florida in March is inviting.

We’re thrilled to have them come; our home was built to house our six kids, so we’ve had opportunities to be hospitable to large groups. John and I are both rather flexible, so the messiness that comes with groups of people isn’t a big deal.

Our kids and their friends have instructed us in the fine art of adaptability.

Flexibility is great, but preparedness is necessary when a bunch of people are showing up.

So we went grocery shopping.

We stocked up on soda, jelly beans (all the grands have a penchant for them), chips, salsa, and real food they could eat at meals. We’ve made my husbands office the unofficial pantry for the time being.

It may be longer than the time being.

We’ve had comments on the number of drinks and snacks we’ve accumulated, but our single focus is to be lavish with our love for our family and friends.

Not stingy.

Stinginess is literally ungenerous. An attitude of not giving what could be given because of wanting to hold onto stuff. With the current culture of suspicion and distrust, even having an attitude of hospitality is hard. Welcoming people we’re not totally comfortable with can be challenging, especially if we invite them into our space.

It’s easier to maintain an attitude of isolation and withdrawal than one of generosity and grace.

God’s generosity toward us is the focus of His heart and attitude. He sees us with love and a desire to develop a deep union with us, a relationship that will give us strength and hope for now and the future. He cares about each of us, which is why He sent His only Son to pay the penalty for all the mess that separates us from God.

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending His Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.” John 3:16-17

Such love is selfless and unconditional. Real and honest. God’s love for us caused Him to sacrifice His best to cover our worst.

That’s generosity at a whole new level.

Stinginess comes easily. We’re constantly making sure we’ll have enough of whatever matters to us.

True generosity and lavish love is not based on what we have or don’t have, but on a value of willingness to share what we have with those who need it.

God loves each of us that way.

Without hesitation.