A light of hospitality

Earlier in the semester I had to write a definition paper, and when thinking about the assignment, I finally settled on the word hospitality. I sorted back through the many memories in my mental filing cabinet and easily picked out some distinct holidays throughout my childhood as the foundation of this definition. At this point of the semester, with finals week hovering over us like a little black raincloud, I was looking back over my papers from the semester to compile a portfolio for one of my classes, and I was again reminded of the familiar example of hospitality. I went on to define the word based on the pertinent example that immediately came to mind.

My paper began:  Hospitality is family Christmases celebrated in Florida... 

First, let me back up for a little genealogy recap real quick: I've been blessed with the gift of getting to grow up in a close-knit family. Therefore, my grandma's siblings—my great aunts and uncles—have always been as close to me as any of my parents' siblings.  I've always known my mom's cousins as my own and had relationships with my second cousins as though they are my first. So my aunt and uncle are actually my great aunt and uncle, but to me they're just my aunt and uncle (even though they are pretty great... And they're not even "old" :) haha).

Anyway, as far back as I can remember, Christmas day has consisted of the annual small-town parade, throwing candy from the back of my grandparents' golf cart, followed by the family Christmas at Bob and Ina's. This was always my favorite day of the year. Getting to spend time with all my Florida cousins, eat unhealthy amounts of Coblentz Chocolate (and somehow managing to always pick out the best kinds from the assorted box), and just enjoy being together. Before dinner, everyone would squish into the front room to listen to one of my cousins wow us with their piano skills and lead us in several Christmas carols. 

Uncle Bob would pray and we'd be released to eat. Despite the ever-growing number of kids that were younger than us, my cousin Jami and I always kept the tradition alive of leading the way through the delicious food line and joining the kids at the beloved kid's table. 

Eventually, at some point in the evening, one (or five) of the little kids would run up to Jami, begging her to take them on a golf cart ride. So for as many years as the golf cart kept on going, so did these annual golf cart rides, which often consisted of 5-10 kids all piled on in the back as we rode around the big backyard or around the block. 

The thing that got me wasn't that Bob and Ina opened their home to us and had the whole family over every Christmas, or that they never complained about the mess all the kids made by pulling all the toys from the hallway closet and scattering Legos all over the floor.  

What stands out to me about these Christmases is that our gatherings, more often than not, included people I am not even related to. I have always been impressed by my aunt and uncle's heart for others. They have always opened their doors to anyone who needs a place to come for Christmas. Over the years we had many "strangers" join us for Christmas, be it the two sisters who used to be their neighbors years and years ago, an older couple from their church, a family friend of one of ours who had no plans for the day—anyone who had been brought to their attention that didn’t have plans for Christmas was always welcome. If anyone in the family knew of someone who had no family around to spend the holiday with, Bob and Ina’s first response was always “tell them to join us!”

Even if our guests had never met most of us before, they always seemed to fit right into our close-knit family. I’d notice them playing Dominoes with my aunts, watching basketball with my uncles, or striking up a conversation with one of my relatives over coffee and dessert. 

Christmas isn't the only time they extend this hospitality to others; whether it's making someone a meal, visiting elderly people to brighten their day, or just sharing the love of Christ with anyone who they find along the path of life, Bob and Ina show exemplary selflessness and love for others. 

This is a family that I've always admired. Maybe it's a little "southern hospitality" mixed in their veins... But I think it's more than that. They shine with the light of Jesus and offer open arms that anyone would want to run to. Bob and Ina have raised a family that shines just as brightly as they do. Though considerably older than me, I've always looked up to their kids as models of respect, love, and faith. If you spend even a few minutes with this family, you can tell without a doubt how much these four siblings love each other. I only hope to someday raise a family that cares about each other and genuinely loves each other's company (and Jesus) as much as this family. 

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

 Christmas with the cousins has always been fun... At least for us girls :)

 

 

 Forever the first through the food line...

Bob and Ina, thank you for teaching me over the years what it looks like to be truly hospitable and share the love of Christ. I know I was just a kid all those years, but I was watching. And I've learned great things from you. Thank you for shining right where you are.