".....Well reported for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. " 1 Timothy 1:10

The King James verb tenses are a little strange to my modern mind (she have?) but the message here about widows showing hospitality is a good one.

We watched the video The Family Meal Table, featuring Nancy Campbell teaching about the importance of having a regular family mealtime.  It was great to hear the testimony of her daughter regarding their happy meal times and regular family devotions, as well as the impact it has made on her life as a mother.  To be able to show hospitality to others, a requirement for an elder or a supported widow, we must start by having meals with our own families.  Although we regularly have people over for meals, and sit together as a family, I appreciated Nancy's exhortation to put effort into lovely meals and lovely tables.  With our water situation (we buy water by the truckload) and our power situation (we have to use a generator and solar panels) I find myself taking shortcuts.  We use paper plates often, and I rarely put food into special serving dishes.  The video did inspire me to try, at least once a week to set the table with a tablecloth, use real dishes and maybe even add a candle or a flower.  I certainly want my own children to be civilized at meals with their families one day, and we as mothers are setting the stage for the next generation.

 Lord, help us to be a civilizing influence in the lives of our children, for your glory.

Jennifer Pepito-TOS Chapel Editor