PRACTICE HOSPITALITY ...

What does it mean to "practice hospitality'?  According to the Oxford Dictionary, hospitality is "the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers".  Last week we talked about being focused, to see clearly in the situation that we are in.  Yesterday I had the challenge of being focused and practicing hospitality.  After a long, productive week at an Education Administration related to Federal Funds conference in Lake Charles, LA, I decided to drive the southern route back to New Orleans to catch my flight home.  (Did you know that there is significant land in Louisiana that is south of New Orleans?  There is.  And this is where Tabasco Sauce is made). Unlike home, the weather was perfect.  I stopped in Lafayette and had a good cajun lunch at a historic house.  And then proceeded to take the "less traveled" yet more scenic route to the airport.  (I like to get off and take the back roads).  My day was going great until I was thirty minutes from the airport.  My phone "dinged".  And the message was "your flight has been cancelled".  Then I received the message that I had been rebooked, but would leave later, go through and change planes in Dallas, but still get home last night - just much later.  Oh yeah, one other part of the story, I usually fly SWA.  I am a Preferred A flyer (which means I fly a lot).   My original boarding pass was A-20 and direct to BNA.  Now, being rerouted, I was C-54 (there are only 60 in each category A, B, and C) and C-31 respectfully on my "new flights".   All of this had happened because of the storms in Tennessee.  So, now I have choices to make and I decided to "focus", be happy in my circumstances, and "enjoy" the moment.  First thing, combine four bags, including a backpack, into two so I did not have to check luggage.  I shifted things around and accomplished two, HEAVY, bags I could carry on.

Now, my attitude.  Remember, FOCUS!  Long story made short, I speak to everyone.  I ended up meeting an attorney from Brentwood who attends Woodmont Baptist.  The fun thing is that we know a ton of the same people.  We visited and laughed a lot - making the trip, which continued to be drawn out - much more enjoyable.  We also talked about our faith, our walk, our talk, our actions.  Then when we were almost to Nashville, I let him know that I was a Pastor.  I often wait until I get to know people before I tell them I am a Pastor because I want them to be comfortable and be themselves.  I then was able to share with him about you and FCC.  But what was even more fun was that our conversation spread all around us.  Laughter, smiles, and new friendships from folks who we did not even know just hours before.  If I had not focused, and kept a positve attitude, I would have probably missed this blessing.  Again, I challenge you to be focused and intentional with others.  And let us strive to keep a positive attitude.  As Paul challenges us "Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS, and again, I say Rejoice". (Philippians 4:4).  When we do these things, the results can be pretty awesome.

A few updates I want to share with you and ask you to keep in your prayers.  First, Ms. Carol is home and living with Cindy.  She is doing very well, but the healing process takes a long time.  Let us keep both in our thoughts, prayers, and even actions.  My mother, who is 85 years young, will be having eye surgery on Monday and then her other eye later in March.  It is simple cataract surgery but she is anxious.  Patti and I will be heading to Virginia to visit my parents in a couple of weeks while Patti is on Spring Break.  And finally, our water at the Church continues to be a mystery.  Pray that we can find the problem, the solution, and can get it resolved soon.  Again, this is frustrating.  We must focus.

As we mentioned last week, we are into the Season of Lent.  Have you thought about what you are giving up and spending that time focusing on the gift of Life through Christ.  I am working hard to give up a negative, sour attitude.   I am challenging myself to truly "Rejoice Always", and I am getting the opportunities to practice and grow.  Remember, practice makes "perfect".  My prayer for you is that God will give you the strength, wisdom, and desire to accomplish His Will through you daily walk with Him - even if you don't realize it till later."

Sunday, we continue in Philippians.  I would love to see you and I am praying that I do.  No matter, remember...

You Are Loved,

Pastor Lonnie