24Dec 09
Neighborly Love
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A family dream became a reality Tuesday evening. Since moving into our home some 20 years ago, it has been a desire of both Dad and Mom to have our neighbors over. But for the longest of time, circumstances never seemed to allow.
Every person goes through roughly four seasons of life, each lasting roughly 20-25 years. The first season is one of preparation and training (0-25). The next season, known as ‘Business and Babies,’ entails the raising of a family and establishing of a business career. Following this season, is a period of hospitality. The last season (60-80+) is the season of eldership wherein the wisdom and understanding God has entrusted are used to lead and influence the local community.
Dad and Mom are definitely in the season of Hospitality. Their love for the body of Christ, extended family, and the world around them is of great encouragement. Closely accompanying their hospitable love for others, Dad and Mom have a passion to make Christ known.
And so it was during one family planning session that the decision was made to invite our neighbors over for a Christmas Dinner. Little did we know what God had in store. Six of the families indicated they would be able to attend and so the joyous preparations began!
How grateful we were to be able to adopt one of the young ladies from church for a couple days prior to the event. Sarah’s enthusiasm and diligence was greatly appreciated!
6:30 Tuesday evening, December 23rd, rolled around at just the perfect time. Candles were lit, coffee was brewing, tasty 
aromas were in the air, and joy was abounding in our hearts. One by one the families arrived unto what became a memorable evening of warm fellowship and relationship building. The Lord opened the door for Dad to briefly share the gospel and it was well received. We enjoyed singing carols all together and listening to some special music amidst all the laughter and conversation.
The Lord was glorified and Christ proclaimed that evening as Dad and Mom stepped out by faith to be a blessing not knowing the results but out of a desire to share the love of Jesus. Thank you Dad and Mom for your example!
What a special evening! God truly blessed our time together.
It was such a blast setting up everything for the dinner. With such a great team of people helping it went quite smoothly.
Wow! Sounds like it was a very extraordinary evening! Nothing in this life is more important than glorifying our Heavenly Father and from this post it seems to me like ya’ll did just that! What a wonderful way to spend any season of your life. God Bless!
What a great idea! Hospitality can be a challenge. We are so glad to hear that God blessed your working together as a family to make a lasting investments in the lives of others. Way to go, Wilkes team!
How beautiful to be able to bless your neighbors in such a manner!
I’ve often thought that it is near impossible for us to have a home decorated like that or the ITC or to… you know what I mean. Thank you for the reminder that we’re in the “Business and Babies” stage. (Number 8 in June).
Its hard, but with application to the right priorities, I guess we can look forward to a season of hospitality some day.
For now the whole extended family can make do with biannual Christmases without loads of decorations when they make their annual appearance for Christmas.
Keep up the god work. Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration to all who can find your site.
May God bless your 2010.
Mr. Smith – thank you for your comment! It was so good to hear from you – all the way from New Zealand! Congratulations for number 8 on the way! Keeping the family centered around Christ is the most important. And I think what you are saying is recognizing the importance of ‘being content in whatosever state the Lord has us in (Phil. 4)’ and enjoying it to the fullest (Col 3:23)!
May the Lord coninue to richly bless your family. We appreciate the purpose of your ministry to fathers and daughters – how wonderful!