Romance is in the air! Don’t get the wrong idea—this isn’t the kind of romance found in steamy novels, but it is passionate, provocative, and palpable. It entices your heart to dream, to be lavished upon or to be the giver of lavish generosity. That word “lavish” comes from the Old French word “lavache” which means “a deluge, a torrent” referring to rain. Let it rain!

One of the greatest love stories ever told is how God called His people out of Egypt and protected them, provided for them, and promised His love for them in the desert wilderness. Their time together in the desert is memorialized each year in this season of Sukkot or The Feast of Tabernacles.

For the past week, temporary palm-covered enclosures have hosted family and visitors throughout Israel and around the world. Last night, the water-pouring ceremony called Hoshana Rabba, was remembered by Jews in their plea for rain upon this dry, Middle Eastern crossroads of civilizations. My windows at The Place of Stories look out on small islands now protruding from the Sea of Galilee due to drought. The nation is asking the Lord of Hosts to send rain, lots of it. They are crying out for His lavishness.

I enjoyed the hospitality of Sukkah time
at the homes of Israeli friends

I am sitting this morning in the cool of Abraham’s Tent at The Place of Stories, where each room calls not only me, but all those who lodge here or pass through the doors, to reach back to their original story and find the threads of destiny in the fabric of daily life. My thoughts drift to Abraham, sitting in the doorway of his tent, the dividing point between the sunbaked harshness of all that lay beyond his tent flaps in opposition to the embrace of shade, protection, a meal, water, rest, even friendship.

That day, Abraham’s world was about to change forever and the promise of God to him for a son would be a word which became flesh through showing hospitality to strangers. He could have missed it! He could have been too wary of those strangers or concerned about his own provision. His example of lavish hospitality shapes my actions, it challenges my boundaries, it convicts me of selfishness, and stirs me to take a chance with the unknown. It is a leap of faith.

Sharing hospitality at The Place of Stories with Israeli families

Hospitality—“the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” It can both be given and received. It can also be rejected, even unknowingly. It can be missed when the press of time tries to dictate the unexpected. There are plenty of times I have stepped out on a limb and invited a stranger to my table only to discover a lasting friendship, an opportunity to comfort, a story which takes my breath away. 

On the other hand, have you ever been “stood up” by someone you were expecting? You cleared your calendar for them, you shopped for what you would serve, you cleaned the house, cooked a feast, lit the candles, and turned on the music. You expected to lavish upon your invited guests. Then you got the call. All of your preparations glared back at you with a mocking tone as if saying, “How foolish to go to all that expense, investment of time, and effort!”

Well, love goes out on a limb, love takes a chance, love looks for ways to invest in others and sometimes love does get brushed aside whether by unforeseen circumstances or by intent. I had a few of those cancellations in a row and as I tried to rebound from the futility of staring at food in the oven and plates on the table, there was an ever-so-gentle whisper from the Lord. “I know how you feel. There were many times in your past when I prepared a feast for you and you found something else to do or you didn’t want to take the time to come to My table. You had no idea I was waiting for you. Remember, I am the lover of your soul.” It was true. So, how to move on?

Do you remember my apartment in Jerusalem’s Old City which had been neglected during Gary’s illness and how I committed to turn that tiny place into an inspirational haven where I could creatively write, heal, host, and be hosted by The Lord of Hosts? It is happening!

Ghazi used my rooftop terrace as a workshop to prepare
the eucalyptus pedestal and rosewood countertop
for a bathroom design which stirs my heart. Rise and shine!

Inspired by the story of Ruth, the romantic warm glow
highlights winnowing forks, Boaz’s garment as a canopy over me,
and harvesting tools like sickle and sieve.

So, again, how to move on? Be brave, be bold, don’t stop lavishing your hospitality on others because you have been burned in the past. Your living space, whether a tiny apartment or sprawling home can be transformed into a sanctuary where your soul is fed and where guests are nurtured. Learn from the Lord of Hosts. He knows how to romance the heart. Don’t miss it!

Enjoying the walk home,
Cindy

P.S. Please pray for the writers and me as we begin The Writers’ Gathering adventure. You can keep up with our journey through Israel via My Facebook page!

Also, check out my interview on Moody Radio’s THE LAND AND THE BOOK broadcast Saturday Oct. 12th at 2pm Central Time…or online at www.moodyradio.org for a few weeks after the original radio broadcast airs.