Living YES!: Karla — A Heart of Hospitality

Karla

Once a month, seven wonderful ladies and I have the joy of gathering together in Karla's home for our book club meeting. In every season a beautiful quilt is displayed on the dining room wall, something each of us has come to treasure as we gather around the table. Karla and her mother's quilts are beautifully displayed, showcasing the artistry that changes with the seasons, and we can't help but admire the craftsmanship of each piece.

Our book club began back in 2013 in our church basement, but for the last many years, Karla has graciously hosted us around her lovely table. These meetings have become such an anchor in our rhythm of life as we have reflected with one another on books, prayer requests and life updates.

Karla creates a warm atmosphere, with her beautiful table settings, warm welcome and unwavering heart of hospitality. We roll in from work, from a quiet day at home, or from a weary week of worries to Karla's home where there is always a glass of ice water and a moment to pause with one another in fellowship.

I have come to love these women. Each one brings a special insight to our group. After spending many years together in fellowship, you come to understand them and the beautiful life tapestry that each person allows the Lord to weave along their journey.

Karla is no exception. She has faced many kinds of challenges throughout the time I have known her. But it has stood out to me that in spite of some very difficult times, she has never requested a break from hosting book club, or backed away from any of the many ways she serves.

One of those ways includes picking up packaged stacks of books from Bethany Prison Ministry and mailing them out to prisons all around the country. These quality christian books offer inmates a chance to engage with truth and grow spiritually. Karla dedicates every Tuesday to this important task, loading her trunk and visiting the post office, where she has become quite a familiar face. This ministry has a profound impact, yet it operates quietly, supported by a small group of dedicated individuals like Karla.

Karla also utilizes her talents twice a year at a quilting retreat, held at a beautiful campground here in Minnesota. Karla has been going twice a year for over 10 years, where she has opportunity to assist women with quilting projects and share the love and kindness of Jesus.

When I asked Karla, about some of the challenges she has faced, and what keeps her serving in the midst of it all, she said, "Everybody is going through something."

"The Holy Spirit has given me two words to remember in the midst of trial. ACCEPT where I am in life, and the other one is not to EXPECT people and situations to change. But to just rely on God."

Karla retired 5 years ago and has just had a significant birthday. She told me that when she thought about retirement she wanted to continue forward with purpose. "I didn't want to just think about things like playing golf or travel. I've already been so fortunate to go many places."

Karla continues her role as our book club host, maintaining her serving opportunities and having the time to reinvest in Bible Study Fellowship, which is where she first came to know the Lord 40 years ago. Recently the Lord has blessed Karla with another "retirement assignment." She has been invited to co-teach first through third grade children at BSF. These homeschool students will study the bible with Karla guiding them. "I really can't think of a better use of my time than this," Karla remarked. "And I'm sure I'll gain so much more from my homework!"

Karla is such a dear friend and example to me. I'm so very thankful to be someone who has benefited from her love and hospitality all of these years.

Reflection from Judy

What stands out in this story about Karla is God's faithfulness… and hers. I love that it's a both-normal-and-profound highlight about a friend of yours, Shani. The word picture that you paint is vivid.

Through book clubs, Bible studies, games, serving projects, sports, ride-shares, sharing recipes, meals, or coffee meet-ups… ways to create connections abound. Allowing for a time to hear each other's updates is a natural way to initiate praying together.

My guess is someone in your neighborhood, school or job could be incredibly blessed by a meal or dessert at your place. And if it leads to more times together…how blessed that could be?! Start small…but start.

If you are reading this with any sense of a nudge in your heart that maybe you could also open your home to host friends, may Jesus confirm this in your spirit.

So grateful for all the "Karlas" out there who impact the younger "Shanis" to say: "These meetings have become such an anchor In our rhythm of life…"

Do you know someone in the second half of life who is making a meaningful impact for the Kingdom? We’d love to hear their story as we continue gathering inspiring examples. Please send to info@yestoserve.org.