Finding Freedom and Joy in Self-Forgetfulness by Michele Howe

Author:Michele Howe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: christian life;christian devotional;spiritual growth;christian women;books for christian women;middle age christian women;midlife;middle-aged women
ISBN: 9781496465801
Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers
Published: 2021-10-08T11:00:57+00:00

Chapter 16

How Self-Forgetfulness Matures Us

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:9–13

Your worries are taking you away from the present, where God is at work. Perhaps you think that God will not be with you tomorrow. . . . Not true. He will give you power for

right now. He is doing something right now. In the midst of chaos, the Spirit often gives us a simple and clear mission, such as choosing to trust in God’s love, listening to another person, helping someone in his or her need, or preparing lunch. Your God has made you a partner in bringing his kingdom to earth. Look around to see what he is doing and how he might want you to participate with him.

Edward Welch

Becca gazed around her house, making sure everything was in its place. As she walked from room to room, she mentally checked off everything she needed for her guests’ arrival. Bedroom made up with clean sheets and welcome baskets of assorted snacks and personal care items? Check. Bathrooms scrubbed, scoured, and shining? Check. Kitchen cleaned and stocked with a variety of food and drink? Check. Living room swept and dusted, and fresh flowers placed on the tables? Check. Becca sighed deeply. I’m as ready as I can be, she reassured herself. I’ve made list after list of every possible need and want my guests might have. But the rub is this: I’ve never met this couple before, so I can’t be completely sure I’m ready.

Becca took another turn around each room and shuddered, as if that simple physical exercise could rid her of the anxiety she was feeling inside. Then she realized she’d better start on dinner while she had the time. Marching into her spotless kitchen, she began pulling out the ingredients for a simple supper of soup, freshly baked bread, and salad. I do hope they like this recipe, she worried. Everyone else seems to—but again, I’ve never met this missionary couple. How could I even guess what they may like or not like? Pastor told me not to worry, but that is easier said than done!

Never in a million years would Becca have expected to open up her home to visiting missionaries from her church district. But I shouldn’t have been so surprised when Pastor asked me if I was open to the idea. I’m alone now. I have the space. I enjoy having friends over for a meal. But this? This is hospitality on a much bigger scale. I rarely host overnight guests. And I have certainly never entertained complete strangers.

Becca realized there was only one person who could truly understand how she was feeling. “Lord,” she prayed, “I really believe you want me to do this.

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