But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. 

Matthew 6:49-52

I am not the best host in the world. My introversion and need for privacy keeps me from opening my door as often as I would like. I know. It sounds like I don’t want to be hospitable because of my personality type, but that is not the case. I want to be that home that is always open and always has extra food for whoever may stagger in. The entire Bible is packed with examples of hospitality and that is what I aspire to do/be.

All of that aside my real post is about how those dingle berries didn’t notice the miracle of the loaves and fishes. I may not be the queen of hospitality but I know if I am serving five thousand, let me say that again. FIVE THOUSAND! I had better have a bit more than 5 loaves of bread and two fish.

But…

 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. 

Makes me wonder what I have missed giving thanks for this week, this month, this life because my heart was too hard to see it.

Sunday we did have lunch with that queen of hospitality I mentioned above. While the men went out to start cranking the ice cream we ladies lingered. She told of how this year has been a gift, a much-needed calm after a couple tough years. Her heart tenderized by the pain, stress, and grief of death, illness and the many hats worn to hold it all together. She isn’t taking for granted the miracles.

You see, after the storm they realized what they had missed. At the sound of the cocks crow Peter remembered… In hindsight the disciples repeatedly realized the significant things Jesus had done and said. They noted the importance of all they had witnessed.

If the disciples can be dingle berries I am quite confident that I can and have been too. I just don’t want to wait until I am caught in the next storm to acknowledge that Jesus triumphantly walks on the very water I feel is taking me under.

Here’s to living with our hearts tender-ready, eyes wide open, and tongues boldly proclaiming the marvellous things He has done.

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