“The the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV) / Pixabay
The invite came unexpectedly, in a round-a-bout way, but there I was: a young first year teacher without a place to stay, far from everything and everyone familiar, in the home of people I didn’t know. Scared and lonely, I sat stiffly on the end of the couch while my hostess busied herself in the kitchen preparing supper for her hardworking farm family.
In those first days of my teaching career I LEARNED more than I ever taught! In the classroom I learned I had A LOT to learn. On the farm I also learned I had a lot to learn! Did you know that male and female cattle have different names? That sheep are born with long tails that are cut off while they’re young? I also learned to drink sweet tea without making a face, that farmers can pile their plates high with food without spilling it, and so much more. But most importantly, I learned that being invited to stay for a few days was really an invitation to be loved and cared for. I was from a different world: a stranger, but you would have never known. In a short time I went from being an unplanned guest to part of the family.
I’ll always be grateful for those first days on the farm. They are some of my fondest memories. And oh….. The brave teacher/farm wife who so kindly took me in? Well, she’s been my mother-in-law for 34 years now! When I said “part of the family, I meant PART of the family!
God put me in the right place at the right time with the right people. All I had to do was accept the invitation. I’m so blessed I did! What is He inviting you to do?
What a wonderful invitation – aren’t you glad you did not turn that one down:) Thanks for sharing.
Yes, Jennifer I sure am! I couldn’t see God’s plan at the time but looking back there’s no doubt He orchestrated that invitation! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Wow, what a lovely and life-changing invitation! I love your story! God is inviting me to rest today. Bless you, friend!
I sure hope you accepted His invitation, Julie! Rest is so very important….can’t accomplish anything without it! I so appreciate you stopping in and commenting!
What a sweet way to be invited into your future extended family!
You are so right, Vicki! I feel greatly blessed to have been offered the invitation! Thank you so much for taking your time to comment!
Aunt Jane and Uncle Jim are special people to many and to me. I’m glad you accepted the invitation and didn’t let a little farm muck bog you down!
HaHa! I had my moments, Becky! I feel very honored to be part of the family! Thanks for commenting!
That is an amazing story, it sounds like a Christian romance! I never get tired of hearing that story!
HaHa Liz! I guess it truly is a Christian romance!?
Yes, and now you must be a MIL too. ha ha Endeavor to be the best! 😀
What a touching tribute to your family–especially to Jane. I know she, and the rest of the family are just as thankful that God sent you into their home as you are! Your family is a blessing to all who know you!
As you are to me, Robin! Thanks for your kind words!
You are so blessed to have Jane as your MIL. I had a wonderful one too. We lost her years ago but I still feel blessed that we had her. Love is central. I think we’ve both been blessed with that. 😀
Yes and yes! And now I aspire to be one too! Thanks for your faithful comments!