PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Y’all got a tirade from me yesterday, but I’ve settled down today and promise not to get on another soapbox. At least not this week. Instead, I’m going to brag a little bit and tell y’all what I did yesterday…
I. Shared. A. Recipe.
Without changing it.
I know, right??? Getting wild and crazy here, Denise!
Okay, so that may not seem like a big deal, but I get weirdly competitive about the stupidest stuff. And this one particular recipe is one I’ve used for quite a few years as an appetizer dish to take to parties… it’s a meatball recipe with the spaghetti and cheese inside the meatball. So it always gets a reaction.
So why is this a big deal? Because I shared it! dWith my whole Sunday School class! I even called my friend to tell her the news, though she laughed at me and I’m pretty sure she thinks I’m crazy.
In 1 Timothy 6:17-18 ESV, it says, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.”
I’m sure Paul wasn’t thinking of a Spaghetti-in-Meatball recipe when he wrote these words, but the premise applies. God gives us everything. And that includes our knowledge, talents, and even our culinary skills! Whatever good thing you have in your life, a spirit of generosity and willingness to share only serves to extend God’s goodness with others.
Make no mistake—Spaghetti-in-Meatballs isn’t going to revolutionize the world (though they will likely have a profound impact on tastebuds). But an act of hospitality can change hearts and it can change relationships. Christian hospitality can encourage others in those moments when they desperately need encouragement.
And I found that the act of sharing—even something as goofy as a recipe—made me feel better too. So… Win-win! Take that, Competitive Side! And I even resisted the impulse to write in my email that I claim dibs on this recipe for next year’s Christmas party! If next year, several of us show up with the same recipe—so be it.
Y’all, I really feel like I’m growing here.
In all seriousness, think of ways you can share the good in your life with others. Make a spirit of Christian generosity and hospitality a part of your day.
Today, as you pray, thank God for the reminders to share because all that we have comes from His hands. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a generous heart that is willing to give because of all you’ve been given.
