JC's Village

I traveled abroad in high school for a year and quickly learned that my new friends were horrified when the first time visiting their homes I responded to their hospitable question, "Would you like something to eat?" with a typically American "A glass of water please." Whether my hosts were well-to-do doctors or hard-working farmers - they wanted me to trust in their hospitality and that it was really their pleasure to offer me what I wanted. If I'd sincerely said "Ham and eggs, a slice of bread, and a side of hash-browns" - they'd have been and thrilled!

Some time after that year abroad I lived in a more diverse community than I'd grown up in - and found myself in exactly the same situation ... fabulous cooks of exquisite dishes that were at the very least going to blow my mind as they delighted my taste buds ... the only way to insult these chef's talents - was to take puny amounts and hold back.

Now - on a regular basis I host people in my home and I truly LOVE to cook for them. I LOVE it when someone goes off about my cooking. When it's sincere - such words are such a compliment - and make all the effort so very worth it.

Imagine then - the inestimable effort God has gone through to so lovingly bestow Grace on us! The cost to Him and His Son paid to make such grace not just available - but freely available is beyond calculation. Let us confidently, and like the grace-starved people we are - throw ourselves into devouring daily the feasts of Grace God makes available to us in all the forms they appear - answered prayers, laughter with friends, God's promises in Scripture, encouraging fellowship that fills us with hope. Let us daily take from God an amount of Grace that will make Him smile with our trust in His provision.