Listen

So Abraham hurried to Sarah at his tent and said, “Hurry! Knead three seahs of the finest flour and make some baked goods!” Abraham ran to the cattle, took a healthy young calf, and gave it to a young servant, who prepared it quickly. Then Abraham took butter, milk, and the calf that had been prepared, put the food in front of them, and stood under the tree near them as they ate.

Genesis 18:6-8

Think

I’ve only tried making bread once in my life. It turned out ok, but it was quite the process. Even bread that stays flat requires some expertise and takes time. Abraham rushes in and tells Sarah to “hurry” and make some baked goods. Then he runs outside and has a servant prepare a calf. If I’m totally honest here, I’ve never prepared a calf before. Surprise, surprise! Either way, I can’t imagine that’s a quick process either.

This act of hospitality from Abraham and Sarah has become a whole afternoon’s commitment! Surely they had other things to do! I’m guessing they were busy people if they had property and animals and extra food and servants. Yet, in this moment, they see what’s more important. Their chores and tasks can wait because there are three travelers sitting in the shade under a tree in need of food and water and rest.

What would happen if you chose to reorder your entire day for people you’d never met before?

Chris Cherry

Pray

God, help me to learn a deeper meaning of hospitality. Allow me to use my resources to honor you. Help me remember that my schedule is less important than the well-being of one of your children and to stay awake to holy disruptions. Amen.

Go

To be awake is to be alive.

Henry David Thoreau in Walden (1854)