Serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 NIV
There they were. Nestled on small hand-patted corn tortillas along with crema and a few strands of raw cabbage. At first, I was unsure of their true origin, until I asked our culturally minded friend and fellow missionary. Once informed, I quickly informed him, I could not eat them. Ever.
It was at this moment I had a choice. To die to self, my wants and desires, or to recognize the sacrifice of others so I could be served at their table. And to eat the chicken liver tacos.
We were new missionaries serving in Guatemala, and this was our first trip to a remote village in the southern region. Many Mayan tribes live in Guate and we were meeting a pastor and his family – who were much loved in their village, with the mission, and served the Lord wholeheartedly.
As the seconds ticked by, our friend filled in the details – the pastor and his wife had scrimped and saved, even refusing to eat the tacos themselves so we could have enough. Their meager rations of corn tortillas, black beans, and rice were pushed aside so we could enjoy the lavish meal of chicken livers. The family was seated behind us, watching with gracious smiles of humility; my look of horror had to be erased, and quickly.
The family would not join us at the table, per custom; they sacrificially gave to the missionaries while watching in love coupled with grace.
Suffice it to say, it was the one and only time I have eaten chicken liver tacos. Being a city kid, this was a stretch, but a valuable lesson at the beginning of our service for the Lord.
Fast forward a few years later with our own children and many years serving abroad or more locally in Mexicali or in the ghettos of Santa Ana, CA, we (my husband and I) began to understand the importance of our table. This journey began with a study written by Nancy Campbell about our tables – our tables are an important part of ministry in our home, whether to our own family or to those who partake in a meal with us.
When one puts his/her feet under our table, the opportunity to serve in love, pour out grace, and be a fragrant example of Christ is given. How we choose to use this opportunity is up to us.
Pastor Nicholas and his family blessed us with a gift not measured in monetary terms but in love. It was 1 Corinthians 13 lived out, the true definition of love. It was an example to these new missionaries of what it would mean for us to serve people of a different culture, different language, and different foods. We could either embrace them or remain isolated Americans unwilling to bend.
I am so thankful we bent and have kept on bending. The people who have put their feet under our table have been vast, varied, and valuable in training us to sacrificially serve. We look to make others comfortable, and well-fed, and present a conversation peppered with grace, the gospel, and good food.
God used that moment in time in a little village in Guatemala to teach us His love and grace. When I sit at His table, He serves me. He is concerned for my needs, my heart, and our conversation. He serves me, in front of my enemies – they can only look on as the Saviour of the world loves on me, a sinner saved by grace. Jesus prepares my favorite foods, has my favorite color of linens and everything is just so. He is the Good Shepherd, for me. For us. (See Psalm 23.)
A lesson learned years ago has been kept in the back of my heart every time someone sits up to my table. How can I serve in grace, love in kindness, and share Jesus as we eat and fellowship? Do I go without so my guests can feast? Am I willing? Are you?
As a wife and Marmee to three adult children, two of whom are married and a new grandson, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.
Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 24 years, they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.
Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s.
Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for four years, and a devotional writer for more than two.
Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own ongoing journey of more than four years, with the hope of encouraging others.
You can connect with Kerry Sue on her blog, Facebook, and two Instagram profiles here and here.
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