Environment makes a difference. In the medical world the family doctor quit making housecalls and has become more “professional” or “clinical.” In the education world when I was a kid it was common for a child to bring cupcakes or some other treats to school on his/her birthday. Now some school districts require all foods served at school to be prepared in a licensed commercial kitchen. The local insurance agent now competes with online providers that are “so easy even a caveman can do it.” But we have lost the relationship with doctor who you could call with an emergency, the mothers who knew their childrens’ classmates and the local businessman who has a vested interest in the community.
The following story comes from the blog of a man I respect who leads and International ministry with hundreds of employees, but he reminds us of the power of 5-6 people in a living room. If the quote below piques your curiosity, click the link below for more thoughts on the topic.
Years ago my son Jon hosted a "theological discussion" in our home during his high school years with a number of his friends. Today, they have all graduated from college and are on with their lives but they stay connected to us. Jon recently said, "You don't know how much you guys mean to them."
The comment was a surprise because all we had done was open our home. But what we missed was the fact that our home was a haven, a place of peace, fun, grace, acceptance and a sanctuary for some whose own homes were not.
Ironically, our home was smaller than their homes, had the oldest television, and the fewest toys. None of that mattered. It was a place of peace and refuge.
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