Dinner Guests

Tonight we had Daniel and Anne-Sylvie Besse over for supper. We had intended to do this for awhile. However, this Christmas season week provides a little less regular activity and more space for things like relationship building.

Daniel and Anne-Sylvie are remarkable people. Originally from Switzerland, they did mission work in Madagascar in Africa for 6 years before returning to Europe 1 1/2 years ago. Anne-Sylvie has worked as care taker of our church since their return to Europe. Daniel, who has trained and worked as a pastor, now writes a Bible lectionary for French-speaking Africans.

For Christmas Sunday lunch, we had our usual "family" guests Alain (France), Lindsey (Reunion Island), and Marion (Germany) for the afternoon. We also welcomed Marie (France) and David (Belgium). Marie is one of the secretaries of our church, as well as one called and gifted at worship leading. David is a computer engineer and project leader who also leads worship very well.

We have so many fascinating people around us whom we would love to get to know better. It's frustrating to not be able to do so as easily as it used to be. It's really important to try to be sensitive to God's leadings about who we need to spend time with at a particular time. For my natural eyes don't always see the people who may really need my or our attention at this or that time.

It's good to see our kids interacting with our guests and vice versa. Growing up, I enjoyed many of the guests whom my parents had over.

Hebrews talks about the importance of showing hospitality. I think that we've entertained some angels during the past few days.