I have a childhood memory of Sunday visits between two church services. For about half the day between and morning and afternoon worship services on a Sunday, I would have the chance to “swap families” and be a guest in different home. I recall that as being a time that I was not only visiting with a friend, but actually being welcomed as a guest of the entire family since it involved two car rides, a meal or two, and being included in the family’s devotion patterns. It was a chance to be a guest of honor.
Later in
life I was also invited into homes as a university student as part of a
travelling choir. Usually for a late evening snack after a concert, an
overnight sleep, and then a morning breakfast routine – I was invited with no
context, no previous relationship, and no understanding on either side of what
the experience might feel like to be guest and host. They were almost always
very warm and memorable times of being welcomed as strangers, and then leaving
as someone known and loved. (Except for the time someone’s basement flooded,
but that is a story for another time.)
Teachers
will be participating this Thursday in a Edvance Christian School convention
for educators. We will focus on hospitality in communities. I’ll share two
sentences here the presenter gave us in advance:
Start from the image of God as banquet host, of Jesus as
the one declaring the arrival of God’s hospitality, God’s welcome. How might
this shape the way you imagine what makes your school or your classroom or your
curriculum Christian (Christ-following)?
I’m looking
forward to a reflective time of encouragement with the LCES team as we link in
virtually to this event. I’m thankful for the chance for our teachers to
continue to grow in their beautiful craft of Christian Teaching for two days.
Pray we are blessed as we gather.
SJ
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