We were at our church camp this weekend. One of the suggestions we got in the parenting session about leaving a legacy for our kids is to have an open house.
We seem to be putting that advice into practice with a vengeance.
As I tap this Dad is sleeping on the floor of the living room - where I will be joining him shortly. Asha, Enoch, Sheba and Mum are in one of our bedrooms - and Ammachi and Appachan (Bro Selvanayagam and his dear wife) are in the other. I am awake because I am waiting for Matt Scott to arrive.
Dad and Mum had just had their farewell and blessing time for completing 5 years of leadership with Ellel India - and had handed over the reigns to the next leader. They were in Lonavala for the big day on the 2nd of Nov. - while the merry 250 plus of us from our house churches and others were in Khandala. We were able to travel down to Thane town in the bus.
We had hardly arrived here when the mobile rang and Appachan was on the phone. His daughter Prisci had been admitted at Lok Hospital. They were coming over for the night. Today the situation took another turn. Her daughter Jemima, who was also unwell was admitted too. Mother with what seems to be dengue - daughter in ICU with dysentry. When troubles come they do not come singly. We are really blessed to be able to help out in a small way by being their for this family.
Tonight Matt Scott - a wonderful friend from University days is here. He is a advisor for World Vision in their Peace Making programme and has just done a seminar for WV staff on how to respond to conflict situations. The programme was Shillong and sadly ended with one of their 'worst case scenarios' - multiple bomb blasts in Guwahati and other places in Assam. Matt and his wife Sandra have been praying for us for years - and after a good 12 circles around the sun we are meeting up again. A short 24 hour visit that started at 12 AM.
God is good. This house is full. How much more His big family!
I think that one of the greatest legacies that both Crystal's and my own parents left each of us was having an open home. I remember more seasons than not of having people living in and staying at our home. Actually, these are the memorable seasons. We are trying to replicate this pattern for our family in the next generation. I see it as one of the biggest gifts we can give them.
ReplyDeleteWe have been married just over two years and have already had Crystal's older brother live with us for 6 months, her younger brother and his new wife live with us the first 9 months of their marriage, now have some good friends that have been married just 2 weeks that will be with us for the start of their married life, and hope to have my brother with us next summer...not to mention the number of people who are almost weekly in our spare bedroom! A full house is a good house!
Thanks Ben,
ReplyDeleteThe biggest full house is the family of our Lord - who adopts us with such grace...
Mum and Dad have also been our model - but with the caveat that they also took pains to make us feel special as part of the core family too. We don't want our home to be just a train-station for people to pass through - unless we are refreshed and are at peace with each other, we cannot minister to others!
The challenge is then how to grow together. To be nurtured individually and as a core family, while also being supple and lithe to accommodate and serve the many who need to be familied (as we have had so many times in the past...).
Blessings in your journey!
Andi it was fantastic to see you all even if it could only be for such a short visit! I was so encouraged by God's presence in your home, at JSK, among your friends and family whom I had the privilege of meeting. I have returned to the US with much to think about from our few conversations. Your hospitality stands in such contrast to what we have experienced here. While we try to have friends or neighbours over at least once a week, we can count on two hands the number of invitations we have received to people's homes here in Washington in three years. God bless you, Sheba and the kids.
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