Reimagine Hospitality

One of my favorite holiday movies growing up was The Little Drummer Boy (1968), along with Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (1977). I liked these movies because they focus on the less essential characters of the Christmas story and their contribution. They were important.

This year I learned to love Jesus more by stepping into the unplanned and unexpected. Our organization hosted an event this year titled, “Reimagine Hospitality,” asking the question, what does it mean to be a gracious host and a gracious guest. Reimagine is a good word to describe what the past year has been for many, including our team, as the unexpected has caused us to rethink what ministry in the kingdom of God looks like. Early on, reimagining would mean moving from an in-person conference to a virtual conference, from experience to inexperience.

In reflecting on both the challenge and the theme of our event, I was reminded of John 6:1–14, the feeding of the five thousand, focusing on verse 9.

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

In reflecting on this passage, it is easy to recall the disciples, the crowds, the teaching and even the results. But what of the not so obvious, the boy?

Thrown into an unplanned, unscheduled setting, how do we respond? His day started out one way, quite ordinary I expect, and ended up completely different. Armed with two fish and five small loaves, the unnamed lad is both host and guest at this amazing event. His role is significant in the story. Jesus used what was available and offered, for the benefit of all. What is small in the eyes of others is great in the eyes of God. Sometimes, just showing up and being available can feed hundreds, if not thousands. What we bring and offer to the Lord is significant in the kingdom of God.

Not all of us fare well in situations or transitions where our customary ways of doing things changes. When what seems impossible is asked of us, will we dismiss, right away, the things of God or step into the uncomfortable, sometimes awkward challenges that arise?

In this past year, I have learned to love Jesus more by being more like the boy, stepping into the unplanned and unexpected, recognizing that my day may start out one way. I may be called into an area of inexperience, uncertainty, and feel ineffective, but if I am willing to bring my offering, no matter the size, all of a sudden, God will use me in significant and unexpected ways.

Key Quotation

If I am willing to bring my offering, no matter the size, all of a sudden, God will use me in significant and unexpected ways.

Caryn Young, NAB, Inc.