Hospitality

Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.

Hebrews 13:2 

Saturday morning our neighbor next door called and invited us over for a swim in their pool and “happy hour.”  I had a commitment to do something early that afternoon so we decided Himself and I  would wander over there about 3:30 or so.  We didn’t do much swimming, but we sat and drank these tasty treats and talked about everything under the sun.  Topics included gardening, losing a parent, faith, politics, cooking and local restaurants, the dogs (of course), education, art, raising teenagers (they have 2) and the odd things boys that age like to do.  The hours flew by and I went home that evening feeling refreshed and relaxed. 

Kim has, on many occasions, issued a blanket invitation to come over and swim whenever we want.  We have never taken them up on it.  The next morning it hit me.  We often issue the same invitation to friends and family.  Stop over any time and we’ll sit on the patio and have a drink.  And, yet, with the exception of my in-laws, no one has really ever taken us up on that offer.  I suddenly understood all of Kim’s invitations.  They feel blessed with what they have and wish to share it, and the enjoyment it brings, with others. 

We live in a fairly rural area and enjoy an abundance of wildlife.  It brings us great joy to watch the bluebirds go in and out of the box building a nest or a gold finch take a bath in the pond or a snake slither along the garden wall.  We feel blessed and are grateful.  We want to share it.

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.  ~G.K. Chesterton

What a great gift it is to allow someone to take care of you.  Mary Magdalene washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 

Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee.  Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. (Luke 7:37-38)

I often pride myself on being a good hostess.  This weekend I learned that being receptive to and participating in someone else's hospitality is important as well.  Jim and Kim shared something that was important to them; something that brings them joy and happiness.  And for that I am grateful!

AMDG