Mom Heart Moments #310

Whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink . . . shall not lose his reward.

A CRISP FALL EVENING FOUND us taking a moment to admire the blazing sunset of reds, pinks, and corals from the back deck. As we sat there taking in the beauty, the front door opened and twenty-six-year-old Joel strode in with a weary face and an exhausted body.

“I just decided to come home rather than returning to my apartment after working all last night and today, because I need some rest and peace.”

I quickly made a plate of savory cheese and whole grain crackers and poured a bubbly drink in a glass, offering, “Just a little something to hold you over ’til dinner is ready.” Joel’s furrowed brow softened as he gratefully sank into a chair.

Often when we think of having company over, we may dread the work of preparation. Yet when I ponder Jesus, I recall that before He gave His last, heartfelt words to His disciples, He chose a home with an upper room and sent a servant to prepare it as well as a meal for the evening, so that His words would fall in the atmosphere and beauty of a prepared place. I have to assume that the God who prepared a Garden of such beauty at the beginning of the world also put thought into preparing the place of the Last Supper with an eye toward comfort and beauty.

The giving of hospitality to our beloved children is an art that can truly reach their souls and give them a reason to believe in the God of love. When physical and emotional needs are met, and minds are filled with inspiration, souls are predisposed to want to follow the God who is revered in all of these rituals.

It is not the indoctrination of theology that crafts a soul that believes; it is the serving and loving that reaches souls.

Have you ever stopped to consider that Jesus is, right now, preparing a place for you?