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Friday, January 4, 2013

My Precious...



"He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." ~ John 12:25
When we have something precious, we tend to hold on to it very tightly---not necessarily because we are selfish, but because we are so afraid to lose it.  What would my life look like if I lost "my precious?"

I know I need to work on my attitude and willingness when it comes to serving others with my life---especially in the area of hospitality.  When the opportunity for serving outside my role as wife and mom comes up, I often look for an excuse to avoid it.  In most cases, this is okay.  My ministry is to my husband and our nine kids---and with 10 people to serve, any other time is pretty limited.  However, God likes to test my heart now and then and I'm not as ashamed as I should be to say that I usually fail.

I think I'm just holding so tightly to "my precious" life that I don't want to share it with anyone.  What if the moments we're spending on other people are the last moments of our life together?  Am I the only one who tries to control every aspect of her life to make it just perfect?

"To whom much is given, much is required." ~ Luke 12:48

I used to think that this verse was just about responsibility.  However, I'm finding out that God wants me to do more with the life he's given me than just manage it responsibly.  He wants me to share the happy times with others, to use it to provide a witness of His goodness and provision, and to "offer hospitality without grumbling." ~ 1 Peter 4:9

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This article was featured in The Christian Home Magazine, Issue 95. 

7 comments:

  1. Thank you for the kind comments on my blog. :)

    For years I dreaded the thought of hospitality, until I finally realized that there is a difference between "hospitality" and "entertaining".

    I'm still not one for entertaining--putting on dinner parties, etc., but I CAN offer my hospitality, and that can be something as simple as inviting a neighbor in to sit down, instead of them standing out on the porch in the cold when they come to our door. It can be as simple as making a grandson a hot cup of cocoa while his ski pants dry in your dryer.

    It can be a challenge sometimes though, for example, when one has a terrible headache and would just like to curl up somewhere, but the Lord sends someone who has a need to our door.

    I guess we all just keep practicing though, right? :-)

    ~Becky

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  2. Your message is certainly food for thought and your post is right on. Wishing you and yours a Blessed New Year..........

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  3. Hi Sarah,

    I want to wish you and yours a Happy 2013.

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  4. I can relate to this. Hospitality is a choice I've grown to love.

    I am SO glad you're on Facebook now! It will be much easier to keep updated. Congrats again in your little one! Born just a few days before ours. Love the picture!

    Tauna

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  5. Sarah,
    I am loving the family picture! Your new little one is a girl,I see, so you will have more help in the years ahead :) Congratulations!!

    The faces of your children reflect a sweetness and joy! May the Lord continue to bless you and grow your family into a bright light to the world.
    Thank you for being so transparent, dear one...it has helped me as I struggle in this area, too. I'm still learning the difference between entertaining and hospitality after all these many years.
    Hugs!

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  6. You are so right. Having people over can be such a blessing as can serving your family.

    Thanks for linking up over at WholeHearted Home today!!

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Mrs. Sarah Coller

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