Erin's (nearly) World Famous Raspberry Lemonade
- 5 lemons
- a handful of raspberries (or strawberries or blueberries) fresh or frozen
- 2 cups of sugar
- water
Squeeze the juice from four lemons into a one-gallon pitcher. Squeeze over a sieve to catch the seeds. Peel a fifth lemon and place the whole lemon in a blender or food processor. Add berries. Process until fruit becomes a liquid. Add to juice. Add two cups of sugar. Fill the pitcher with water. Serve over crushed ice to guests and neighbors. Brace for hugs and ear-to-ear smiles.
I'm an introvert by nature. I like a quiet house with clean floors and sparkling dishes left in the cabinet. Even so, I'd love for you to stop by. I'm not naturally the hostess with the mostest, but I try to have people in my house as often as possible. Why? Because of God's heart for hospitality. Romans 12:12–13 says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." This verse lists hospitality among such super virtues as joy, hope, patience, prayer, and charity. First Peter 4:9 says, "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." This verse urges us invite others into our space without complaining. But why? Third John 1:8 says, "We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth." This passage reveals the bigger picture. Using our space to bless others isn't about mimicking Martha Stewart. The point isn't to try to have a house worthy to be featured in the pages of Good Housekeeping. Hospitality is a way to work together for the truth. Inviting others into our space and doing our best to serve them while they are here is part of being salt and light. Does hospitality sound like it's out of the pages of your grandma's magazines? Does it seem like you should forget about using your space to bless others until you have your own mortgage someday down the line? The dictionary describes someone who is hospitable in this way:
- Given to generous and friendly reception of guests
- Offering a pleasant environment
- Readily receptive
- Open.
You don't have to have a big old house with your name on the mailbox in order to create a pleasant environment, receive guests, be open to others, and use your space to be a blessing. We should practice hospitality at every age. How are you doing in this area? Do you use your room to bless others or protect it as "your space"? Do you stick to hanging out with people you're comfortable with or stretch yourself by bringing those who need to experience God's love into your home? I want to encourage you to make an effort to extend hospitality to God's people who are in need this week. Make a phone call. Open your door, and pour two tall glasses of lemonade.