Hospitality: Open reception of another with a loving heart. (1Peter 4:9)
In a past 52 WKP that I wrote on Hospitality I mentioned a best friend that had this gift abundantly! This dear friend passed away 18 years ago and her hubby re-married. Recently, he and his new wife were traveling through our area, and at the last minute asked if they could spend the night. My husband and I rushed to get the guest room ready and dinner in the works before their arrival.
I love hosting people in my home, but I am not a “fly by the seat of your pants” kind of gal! I will do last minute hospitality, but it is not my preferred way! (haha) One of the things I wrote about in the last plan on hospitality was my friend’s ability to welcome anyone into her home at any time of the day, with no notice! She loved it and thrived when people were in her home. She didn’t run around like a crazy person “getting ready,” she simply sat at the table with you and offered whatever she had at the moment. I guess I failed at Hospitality 101. I am kidding, well sort of, but hospitality is not what I can offer, it is sharing what I have and enjoying your presence.
I am reminded of Mary and Martha. (Read the story in Luke 10:38-42) Martha opened her home to Jesus and was probably so happy He was there. Martha was running around preparing, while Martha’s sister Mary just sat with Jesus. Martha was getting upset with Mary because she needed help getting everything prepared. She even asked Jesus to make Mary help her. Jesus said, ”Martha, Martha,” you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
“Hello! My name IS Martha!”
I was getting frustrated about having little time to prepare and didn’t focus on the fact that I haven’t seen my friend in many years! My focus should have been on how great it would be to catch up and meet his wife. It turned out that they cancelled on us last minute due to travel problems, but I learned a valuable lesson. Loved ones won’t be around forever and neither will I! Use perfect God-opportunities like this one to focus on what matters most, not on the less important stuff around me.
Don’t you love the way Jesus made time for people during his ministry here? Who are those in your life for whom you need to make time to show kindness, love, and hospitality? I am thinking of some neighbors in need as they return from the hospital today!