Loving our neighbors as ourselves is easier said than done. Especially when they call at all the wrong times, begin to rummage freely amongst your belongings, even delving boldly into our new stocked refrigerators.
I remember Dave Gibbons Pastor of Newsong in California at the WCLS banging on about having real community; a place where we have more than an open-door policy for our homes; a more intimate stage of sharing life: an open fridge policy. As uncomfortable a thought as it may be, I believe this stage of intimacy and trust amongst those committed to living as part of a community, and particularly, those trying to live-out the Gospel, is healthy.
After moving into Skerries, we’ve already set a precedent within our community of an open-door policy; a ‘call anytime’ but take us as you find us type of thing. Our door has not stopped. I used to get really uncomfortable about people coming to my home at the wrong times, making the place untidy, even eating my precious food. How selfish was I? All we have is the Lord’s; we only have it to share and be a blessing to the rest of the word: the first Great Commission for us to obey as God’s people.(Genesis 12:3)
We’re inspired by the model of Pricilla and Aquila, who were renowned for their homely hospitality and house church in the NT (Acts 18:24-26; 1 Corinthians 16:19). It seems that although they had a nomadic lifestyle, partly due to fleeing from persecution (Acts 18:2), they managed to keep their home open and organised somewhat for the Lord’s service. I bet they had an open fridge policy.
Does the thought of an open fridge policy in your home (for your immediate community) make you thrive and dive?
N
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Personally, I think this is a great policy to have. The house I live in just now has always been a house where people stop by whenever they feel like it. This has eased off a bit in past years as people move away, get busy, or feel that they can’t do this anymore, but there was a time when at any given time, there could be any number of people in the house. People who were comfortable here, who would quite happily sit and talk for hours and have tea, and dinner, if it was going. There are still a few who come around and feel comfortable here and I love that. But I must admit, there is a small, selfish part of me that sometimes gets irritated. I try to stamp that part down, but it’s there and if I don’t take it in hand, I can get very possesive of my time, my house and my food.
I love coming to your house. I feel very comfortable there, as I told Emily last week, and I love hanging out with you guys. I admire your complete open door/fridge policy and I think it works really well. As a society, Irish people used to be known for this, but now people are so afraid of stepping on toes that we have lost of a lot of this gift of hospitality. I think you guys are well on your way to bringing it back, so well done!
Thanks Kirsty.
You are always welcome!
N
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