Ramblings from Avis...Back home and trying to adjust to the Central Standard Time zone. My days and nights are flip flopped!
During the week at Overtoun House, I was constantly challenged (in a good way) with meal preparations such as lighting burners on an old gas stove, trying to figure out what 350 degrees equates to on the oven dial that reads 1-9, understanding the difference between single cream and double cream, rearranging planned menus based on available produce, seasoning minced meat, guesstimating meal portions for a group that increased as the week unfolded, and figuring out how to store leftovers with a limited amount of containers. (Those who know me well can testify that I LOVE plastic container, foil, and plastic wrap)!
All of those challenges were just the means to the end. The real purpose was to share meals together where fellowship takes place and the result is deep relationship with the Lord. The conversation that takes place around a table is priceless. For me, new friendships were established, deeper conversations with family occurred, and I watched the Body of Christ in fellowship with one another. It was fulfilling to see my life verses lived out in a very real way: Romans 12:9-13 "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality".
Sharing with God's people who are in need took place in so many ways....
when a woman from the church needed food for her family and left with meals for the rest of the week; when additional folks showed up for lunch there was plenty of food; when I didn't have the stamina to cook a meal, Nancy graciously whipped up a great stir fry feast; and when Suzy, Tommy, and Nancy baking dozens of cookies for treats for the kids in the after school program.
Indeed, hospitality was practiced in many, many ways.
Beyond all this, and perhaps the most profound lesson learned while serving at the Overtoun House, is the parallel of a cast iron skillet and God's love for me. Having used several cast iron skillets during the week, I was reminded of the seasoning process a cast iron skillet receives over years. The more the skillet is used, the coating gets stronger and enhances the pan and cooking process. Similarly, my love for God grows stronger each time I seek and trust Him. It should be no surprise that each encounter with Him enhances the next! Thank you Lord for never ending love and patience as you continue to "season" me for your glory.
An awesome week at the Overtoun House. Memories for a lifetime.
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