Since we moved into our “new” old house, we’ve had a number of visitors.  Some came to welcome us to the neighborhood, some came out of curiosity to see this 1885 property. There were those we told to stop by anytime – just not after 9 o’clock, because we’d likely be asleep.  That sort of thing happens to us regularly now as we’ve entered our golden years.

I used to work hard at making an impression for our guests.  I’d spend days trying to figure out what to make for a special meal or dessert.  I’d spend lots of time making everything Pinterest perfect.  I worried about things like that, but this old body doesn’t have the same get up and go that it used to.  It got up and went.  Still we have had more gifts in six months than we had in years at our old house.

Neither one of us has the obligations of a regular job.  Before our move,I was drowning in work and didn’t realize it.  My husband struggled with health issues and it was difficult keeping up with the cost of our “old” old house.  Being freed from that huge monetary obligation allows more spontaneity.  We don’t care about making an impression, but we need the fellowship of others.

God gives us instructions in the Bible that don’t always make sense on the surface, but they ring true when it comes to eternity.  His Word talks about hospitality and welcoming strangers into your home to make them comfortable.  In our times, that would seem foolish.  We all keep our doors locked.  We ignore or push people away when they ring the doorbell.  We walk away from those we don’t know and unfortunately don’t even get involved when someone is hurt or in danger – a  sad commentary on what we’ve become as a nation.

Hospitality means welcoming friends, but also opening your doors to strangers.  Basically, I think God is referring to kindness to others in this context.  He wants us to reach out to those in need – to the sick, needy, poor and helpless.  We do this not to obtain a special place in heaven, but because by doing so, we are serving Christ.   We are in fact doing those things for Him.

If you know someone who could use your kindness, your patience and your joy, share it with them. Who knows, you may be entertaining angels in disguise.  Above all be faithful in prayer, not only for your own needs, but for the needs of others.  We have become a nation of skeptics.  We need to open our arms and fold our hands again.