It has to be the most unexpected and heart-breaking message that you will ever receive as a mother. I don't know how you and Jamie can even think straight. Yet you have shown tremendous hospitality in big way that would just suit Ryan. But Christian hospitality comes naturally to you. The gospel comes with a house key, and that key unlocks the “hundredfold” of God’s provision of family and community for others. Hospitality is the ground zero of the Christian life.
Hospitality develops eyes to see. It sharpens the saw of God’s word on our hard hearts. It develops bold intimacy among people who would never have reason to be friends. It grieves the loss of missed opportunities to serve. It shudders at Jesus’s words, “For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink." But, hospitality also brings something healing to a sad event like the one we share today. I read about the party tonight and felt a little lift. I might see my good friend Katherine with whom I would love to talk for hours about everything in the world. I might see Jamie and help him see the light at the end of the tunnel by sharing my story of grief.
I might see Kyle and help him know that there is a gift in the hands of every problem, and there is a gift in this one for him, He just needs to be open to it.
The very sad thing is that I know new friends will be made, and old friendships renewed tonight because of Katherine's and Jamie's hospitality. And I can't be there. I CAN'T BE THERE. It hurts and it will for a while that I will miss the opportunity to say in person that "I love you and I admire your strength which I don't seem to have, Please call me soon and often to share your pain. I really do understand, and listening is something I can do. (I know it isn't my strong suit, but I have been working on it!)
I would love to come for a visit when it is cold here and warm there! I promise to cook some of my best (with a little help) and to be the least maintenance guest you ever have!
Whatever you are up for, I am there. You may have to teach me, but that's nothing new!
I love you more than you know. You have always been there for me, and I wish I could have been there for you today to say this in person. I know that we don"t know love until we carry a child; and we don't know pain until we bury one.
