Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64easy to see that we don’t have nearly enough to justify giving care to others. Most can see that hospitality is something wonderful, but who can build a lifestyle of radical hospitality? Pipes vs. Pans T he problem with that thinking is misun- derstanding the source of radical hospi- tality. When we see the simplicity of the arrangement God has put in place, suddenly this level of reception is doable. God is looking for pipes, not pans. Containers store thing. When containers in my refrigerator sit too long, their contents grow rancid. When we see ourselves as containers, it’s natural to worry about our supply. We concern ourselves with how much room is still available. When I slip into wrong thinking, it is easy for me to fixate on the thought that I’m about to run out of supply at any moment. I worry that I won’t be able to go any further because of the shortage in front of me. God is looking for people whose hearts are stronger than containers. His plan is for us to live as pipes. The difference is that a pipe isn’t a source; it is a conduit of His life in the form of hospitality and kindness. Radical hospitality flows from God’s heart through us, then out to the lives of others. It’s the “kindness of God” that changes lives—both those who receive it and those who carry it. The Norwegians have a saying: “Take the kitchen way” into someone’s life. It means we come into life in a friendly, comfortable way— not a formal, front-door entry. Imagine the smell of a cozy kitchen—freshly baked bread, the taste of a table full of food, and most of all, loving and accepting new friends. The attitude of all who are radically hospitable is, “Here’s the back door of my life. Welcome! Come on in!” The kindness that changes others is equally spiritual and practical. Christmas Burritos at the Trash Dump F ather Rick Thomas worked among those in need around El Paso, Texas. A few years ago, Rick and some from his flock on the U.S. side of the border came up with a plan to reach out to those on the Mexico side of the area. Specifically, they went to those who lived and made their living by recycling materials at a trash dump. It was Christmas, and they brought a hundred homemade burritos. I like Taco Bell, but something tells me these were way better than anything available at a fast-food drive-thru. Word got out that free food was being handed out, and a long line formed. It was energizing for the team to see so many show up for food, and Father Rick felt as stoked at the others. The prob- lem was, he knew the numbers. He had counted the number of burritos and the number of people in line. The numbers didn’t line up well. It looked like a few dozen weren’t going to eat. More than 120 people stood in line to get a bur- rito. One guy was the designated “people counter.” When the dust settled, over 120 got one of the 100 burritos. It doesn’t add up with a normal calculator, but God’s calculator works differently. He provides all we need until everyone gets one. Father Thomas called it the “Miracle of the Multi- plying Burritos,” courtesy of God! The little boy in the opening story may have missed a play date with his friends, but he learned a lesson that not only changed his life, but maybe those of all he knew for the rest of his life. The message boiled down to a prayer—the most- repeated prayer in the Bible: “Here I am, Lord. I’m not a hero, but I am available.” Ĩ WWW.AGRM.ORG MARCH/APRIL 2017 25 Steve lives in the Los Angeles area and works as an outreach and leadership coach. He is a cheerleader for all things related to the kindness of God that transforms lives. He has penned several books, including the best seller Conspiracy of Kindness. For more encourage- ment check out his site: www.kindness.com.