A few nights back I fell violently ill while out shopping and enjoying some alone time. The fever came on so quick and so intense that I knew it wasn’t safe for me to drive, and I was forced to call up some friends close by and ask to sleep on their couch until the fever passed. My friends were wonderful and not only gave me a couch, but an entire room. And not only did they let me stay for a few hours, but for two and a half days. Over the course of those days I was given space to rest, brought tea and magazines, checked on, prayed for, and simply loved on. I felt so awful to intrude on these beautiful people’s lives, but their love and hospitality made my sickly stay almost enjoyable.
Though my fever was over one-hundred for more than twenty-four hours and I was slightly delusional, the generosity and care of my dear friends got me thinking about being a neighbor—about taking care of those in need. As much as I hate to admit it, I was in need those couple of days and I might have gotten in some serious trouble had I tried to drive, go to work, or take care of myself. My friends risked falling ill, risked their privacy to open up their home and receive me like family; receive me like Jesus would. How am I receiving people like Jesus on a daily basis? What am I willing to do for those in need, in pain, in want? I wonder if we should be asking ourselves these question in every conversation, every interaction, every reaction everyday?
Contributed by Lisby Rogers
