Mom Heart Moments #342

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

OUR CHRISTMAS TEA WAS A SPECIAL event that had grown in importance over the years. It was a “high tea” with china, crystal, and silver. In addition to our old and dear friends, each year we would also invite two or three women or girls who didn’t have family or friends in town, or who we thought might need some special encouragement.

Joy bedecked the table with delicate crystal glasses and serving pieces, Sarah made the cold raspberry soup we had learned to love on a visit to Hungary, and I whipped up the cold chicken salad. Chocolate mousse cake had become the traditional dessert.

This particular year, we invited a precious young woman who had grown up in such a broken home that she barely knew kindness and thoughtfulness existed. Her rough background had hardened her heart toward people and given her a defensive posture toward the world.

The tea went as usual that year until the end. After the meal, most of the women and girls chattered in the kitchen, washed dishes, straightened the table, and enjoyed the last few minutes of fellowship. In the midst of the relaxed gaggle, the young woman sheepishly walked over and tapped me on the shoulder.

“May I speak to you, please?” I nodded and said, “Of course,” but before she could even begin speaking, she began to cry. I took her into another room for privacy, where we sat together as she told me her story.

“I am thirty-five years old, and I have never even had a cup of tea in a real teacup. I had read stories in magazines of friendships like this, but until today, I didn’t even think they were possible. I just want you to know you have given me the best Christmas gift I have ever had —a sense of belonging.”

Ask the Lord to bring to your mind someone who might need an invitation to grace this Christmas season.