Hospitality is defined as using what God has given to us to demonstrate His love for others. It is the bringing of guests to a home in which the character of Christ is being lived out on a daily basis.

Imagine having invited over a family for dinner and going through the many preparations to make the evening special when you suddenly receive the news that your guests will be staying the night……….

Dan leads us in a memorable game...Our family was recently the recipients of such sacrificial love and gracious hospitality during a memorable trip to the Potters home. We had a full evening together that included everything from canvassing a local neighborhood in preparation for Potters pending After School Bible Club to playing dutch blitz, eating lemon cake in honor of Lee Jackson Day, learning about the China mission field (thank you Michael), milking the cow, and more!

The all too short evening came to a fast close………or so we  thought. For at an A slippery wintry mix made for an unprecedented dilemma undisclosed time and in a silent but steady motion, snow began to fall. Temperatures continued to drop and the once barren landscape now had approximately 1 inch of snow, sleet, and ice. Now in most cases such circumstances would prove of little concern until you take into consideration the hill one’s The slick driveway - the following morningvehicle must ascend upon departure. The snow continued to fall as plans of departure were discussed. Without having prepared for such an event, the Potters suddenly invited and encouraged us to stay the night – and they were serious!

In reviewing our current dilemma, we did not see much hope of safely departing without considerable effort and risk. Within minutes, the Potters began pulling out sleeping bags, pajamas, pillows, and even ‘tooth brushes :-) .’ It was as if we had stopped at a 1st class hotel. They even pulled out a late night snack of fried chicken! The decision was made to stay.

 Beds were readied A midnight cup of hot chocolate - mmmmmmm good!

Hanging up in the family room of the Potter’s home is their family vision statement. Though the exact wording of this portion slips the memory, in a nutshell,  it is the Potter family’s goal to disciple with the love of Jesus the ones God brings along their path. Watching the whole family work together in harmony re-arranging rooms, preparing for a hearty breakfast the next morning, and making everyone feel so comfortable was wonderful to behold and truly a fulfillment of their family vision!

Cutting up potatoes for hashbrowns the next morning Michael, Joel, & Dan - Eggstraordinary chefs indeed!

Spiritually and physically refreshed Morning Devotions with the Potters - a joy to participate in!

Their home is truly a haven of rest and an inspiration for joy!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 3:55 pm and is filed under Family News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.