Unconditional Hospitality: A Lesson from the Heart of Russia
As I embarked on a journey to Davlekano, Russia, a mix of emotions swirled within me. This was the place where my mother had spent her formative years, but her family had fled to Canada during the Russian revolution, leaving behind a piece of their history. I prayed for a divine connection, a chance encounter that would bridge the gap between past and present. Little did I know, God had a remarkable surprise in store.
It was during a meeting in Ufa, Russia, that we met Romano, a kind-hearted pastor who offered to drive us to Davlekano and give us a tour of the town. As we approached the outskirts, he invited us to share a meal at his home, and we gratefully accepted. Before arriving, we stopped at a local store to pick up a gift for his wife and stumbled upon a bag of homemade cookies that eerily resembled the ones my mother used to bake. The aroma wafting from the bag was like a warm hug from the past.
Upon arrival, Romano’s wife, Tanya, greeted us with a beaming smile that radiated the love of Christ. It was clear that she and her husband had undergone a profound transformation just three years prior, when they found faith in Christ. Their love for Him and for others was palpable, and it filled the air with an infectious warmth.
Tanya served us a delectable lunch, replete with salads, cucumbers, brown and white bread, potato soup, cookies, and tea. The table may have been wobbly, and the house may have been old, but it was spotless, and the effort she put into preparing for our visit was evident. As we sat around the table, I realized that it wasn’t the grandeur of the home or the elaborate preparations that made us feel welcome – it was the spirit of the people living within those walls.
Tanya embodied the essence of unconditional hospitality, welcoming us with the same warmth and love that Christ would offer. It was as if she had wrapped her arms around us, saying, “You’re home.” In that moment, I learned a valuable lesson: true hospitality is not about the physical space, but about the heart that inhabits it.
As we reflect on our own hosting habits, may we be freed from the pressure to compete, to impress, or to present a perfect facade. May we instead focus on radiating the love of God, welcoming others with open arms and warm hearts, just as Tanya did that day. May our homes become sanctuaries of love, where strangers become friends, and friends become family. Amen.
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