From Perfect to Blessing
In the last article, I write, ‘He will take our perfectionist bent, our negative interpretation of ourselves, the seemingly pointlessness of it and the control we give others to decide what we do.’ These ideas of perfectionism, interpretation, pointlessness, and control should be looked at more closely. They are all things that we know about and sometimes even think of ourselves. Who hasn’t thought about having people over and then immediate squashed the idea because it would take too much work to get the house clean, find enough matching silverware and plates and then even consider the menu! Perfectionist much? 😉
God’s answer to perfectionism
We have spoken of Bible figures, but not really looked at what some of these identity issues look like in our lives. If we do consider the idea of hosting, as above, those thoughts will go through our head because they are something to consider. Everyone will need utensils and plates and the place should be clean enough that none question if they will get sick from eating what we serve. But the question is: what does God want from this thought that I had, the thought to invite a family over?
To be honest, those questions are ones that indicate we want to serve at a certain standard to present ourselves well. We want to be liked and held in high regard by these folks that we consider inviting. All this focuses on us. What God likely wants is for us to focus on them. Galatians 5:13-14 says, ‘serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Serving puts the focus on the others, not on ourselves; humility keeps me in the proper perspective with others.
What does this other family want or need? They need to feel welcome. They will expect food. They need to experience God’s love and acceptance. And, strangely enough, in return these people will also think positively about you if you succeed in what God has thought about your invitation. It is the presence of God that will make the event perfect.
Creative hospitality
I used to live in a one-bedroom apartment that was about 35 square meters (375 sq feet). I hosted 20 people for new year’s, and I hosted a church event of 40. There is nothing wrong with paper plates and plastic utensils. Yes, it helps if you plan a menu where no one has to cut anything with paper plates, but it is doable. For the church gathering, it was quite a challenge to think where to put the potluck food that was coming. I ended up setting plastic and then tables on top of my bed and all the food on top of that. It was sanitary, if unusual. People were surprised then went on with it. Where else could it go? In the 2.5 square meter kitchen (about 3 sq yards)? We jammed folding chairs into every space and people sat on the arms of chairs and stood in the doorways for a little presentation. It was a rather creative couple of evenings. They were immensely blessed evenings.
God makes it perfect
He is all you need for that report for your boss, He is all you need to wish your colleague well for her promotion, He is all you need. He is all you need for that presentation, that interview, that project. He is all you need. Trust Him.
It was God’s presence that made the events work well. It was God’s presence that made it possible for me to serve food on a bed that wasn’t breakfast in bed! It was God’s presence that opened my eyes to the possibility of hosting so many people in such a small space. When we feel called to do something and instead throw up roadblocks to keep it from happening, we may be blocking the blessing God is sending our way. It was a blessing to let go and let God in these cases. The fear of not presenting right, of not being enough of things falling apart if not just so – they fell away with the more opportunity I gave Him to act. He brings to completion that we he started. He shows up every time we invite Him and He is all we need.
