I look across the sanctuary and see my daughter with her son and husband, worshiping with us. This is a miraculous thing to me—a surprise gift from God that I never even considered might happen. My husband and I never lived near our parents; we assumed our children would move away, too. And she did, for several years.
Our daughter came to our family as a miracle as well—after waiting eight years for our second child. She has always had a heart for God, and she and I—and others—know that that is why God placed her with us. At this church where we have worshiped all her life, she has blossomed and grown “in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man” and women.
For years she wanted to be a missionary and still does. For now, her primary mission work is with her child and at our church. Her husband’s work brought her back to this church and near to us, but together they have forged their own mission field right here in Cincinnati.
Our church family is blessed by her hospitality and outreach. She initiates girls’ nights out, couples’ get-togethers, family cookouts, and whatever celebration works for any possible holiday. Through social gatherings and one-on-one, she and her husband manage also to help people grow spiritually.
Friday night 30 people gathered at a young couple’s home for their [now] traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Each family brought one dish and made it really special. It’s wonderful that social events she started are now continued in the homes of others.
Her easy hospitality reinforces what my mother always said and believed: “People don’t care what your house is like as long as you make them feel welcome.” My daughter has convinced those who have been married fewer than her seven years that having people over is simple, and with her guidance they discover that it is. It’s the attitude that counts.
She’s having a Bible study with a young woman who attended our church with her family when she was small. Now she’s back to learn what Jesus is all about. We are dismayed by her lack of knowledge, and yet we know that is common. It’s our job to erase that ignorance, one person at a time.
And showing each person love, as she does, is the key. For all of us.
