Qualification - A quality, ability, or accomplishment that makes a person suitable for a particular position or task
When I think of qualification, I think of running a race, exams or training. To put it another way it requires hard work and a lot of effort. Just like an Olympian who wants to compete, one must put their body, mind and soul through a gruelling process to achieve ‘qualification’ let only competing.
In Titus 1, Paul lays down the gauntlet to us, the reader, with various disciplines and requirements to enable a qualification for holiness. Here Paul is interested in our internal make-up as a human being and that we are aspiring and pursuing holiness. One challenge comes in verse 8:
‘…be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled’ (v.8)
(NRSV)
In this context, Paul is saying what a bishop and elders should be like but I think that we can stretch that a little further to every Christian. Would you not want to have all these qualities?
Hospitality has been of these areas where the Lord has been challenging me recently. How can improve being hospitable? How does one qualify for hospitality? Answer: Everyone. Seriously, I think the answer lies at the heart of serving and intimacy with God. These may seem like alien concepts to many but in everyday language, our attitude needs to be loving towards others and welcoming, feeding and caring for people with JOY! Joy not only on the outside but on the inside as well. Not to be shaken by external circumstances but to know the Lord is in control.
Qualification comes when we pursue towards integrity and are disciplined in it.
January - the month full of hope and excitement for the new year, where resolutions come and go, and people are already looking forward to their next break from work.
With coming back from America, where we had such an amazing time, it made us question as to where we wanted to be and process our time together ahead.
America stirred up so many emotions that we had been suppressing for a while. We felt re-energized from being there, mainly due to the people and the experience we had there. It's nice to be in a place where people enjoy communicating and try their best to be hospitable and genuine, even if they don't want to be. Bottom line...
We love America!
So as you can imagine, January was a funny month for us, as we adapted back into British life and we eventually realised that we weren't on vacation but actually back to reality into the hustle and bustle of life. You'll be pleased to know that we have recovered and are very much enjoying being here.
A sad, but at the same time, joyful occasion this month was the funeral of Jon's Grandfather. He was 87. He died on Christmas Eve peacefully. We met many family members who we have not seen in a long time, and are looking forward to seeing many of them again in due course.
However, we do have a lot to look forward to...
The pending trip to Edinburgh for our 1st wedding anniversary, is a source for excitement in the Hills household. Currently, we have been looking at things to do whilst we are there. One suggestion was we hire a tricycle and have someone show us the sights and sounds of Edinburgh, however, not sure about the weather.
Another exciting development is the prospect of us, (along with David & Emilie Gate) being involved in a jewelry business. We are still trying to come up with a name, but watch out fashion world, there's some new girls on the block...!
This just gives you a glimpse of what we've been doing and are planning to do...
More reflections soon...
Just thought I would post this photo of me and an elf! He was advertising something in the town center and I just thought he was too cute to pass up without getting my photo taken with him!
