Once when I was in college, my friend and I were grabbing lunch at a diner, and we may have been served by the oldest waitress in the world. She had a stark-white beehive hairdo and no time for any foolishness. When my friend took ten seconds too long after she came to take our order she just walked away. Didn’t say I’ll give you a minute, didn’t offer any suggestions, just sighed, and walked away. Now the diner could get away with this because the food was cheap and absolutely amazing, but it’s always funny when you have an experience that doesn’t go the way you expect it to go.

When we go to a restaurant, we can imagine being the king/queen of the castle. “Fetch me more libations. Bring me my dinner.” Usually, the world keeps us humble, but when we go out, we get to pretend we have a butler and a chef and someone else does the dishes! I don’t think any of us actually have those thoughts, unless you go to Medieval Times but it’s nice when someone else does the hard work of making you feel comfortable and cared for.

As we come out of Thanksgiving and head into Christmas this is a feeling many of enjoy as you spend time with family and friends. But what about the other people in your orbit? Do you make the space or make the effort to ensure other people feel this way. I’m sure there is someone who would love an invitation from you so they can feel comfortable and cared for.

We do this because God first did it for us. Deuteronomy 10: 18-20 reminds us, “18 He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving them food and clothing. 19 Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. 20 You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear.”

I hope you know the joy of being taken in when you feel lost. If you have the opportunity, do your best to give that gift to other people this year. Because it truly is a gift you give yourself.