"Hospitality"

The dust cloud told me here they come,

The company’s enroute,

I was so glad to see someone,

Gave me boyish joy, no doubt.

And I’d run out to meet ‘em,

Midst the hugs and lots of laughter,

So glad that I could greet ‘em,

And all the fun thereafter.

Sometimes it was my old granddad,

And granny who limped along,

Spraying Raid ‘gainst skeeters bad,

And telling Dad he’s wrong.

Sometimes it was my kinfolk,

Who drove from Caroliner,

Uncle Ralph with his funny jokes,

Aunt Hazel,  none looked finer.

Lots of times the Baptists,

Who churched with us in town,

No doubt there were some long lists,

Of those who came around.

I remember homemade ice cream,

Banana was my favorite,

Crankin’, salting ice it seems,

A long time but well worth it.

And cuttin’ watermelons,

Ice cold and oh so sweet,

Dad said don’t eat it like a felon,

It was so hard to beat.

And finally the sun would drop,

And the crickets’ songs would start,

The honeysuckle breezed non-stop,

When it was time to part.

And hugs and kisses, y’all come back,

I always thought they would,

But I think I’ve had a time attack,

And even if they could,

It wouldn’t really be the same,

The old home place is gone,

The dusty road is paved and tame,

The old folks have passed on.

But I’ve still got a driveway,

Out here in Texas’ heart,

And on any given someday,

A big hello could start.

And I still get excited,

When company comes our way,

My heart with joy delighted,

Every time I get to say,

Y’all get out and come on in,

The watermelon’s cold,

Good to see y’all once again,

It never does grow old.

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13: 2, NIV)

Hospitality is one of the most significant parts of how Christians behave toward others, especially those we don’t know well. We are called to give them a loving welcome, which begins with our own families and friends, but then extends outward to everyone we meet. Yes, it’s true that some people are toxic and dangerous, and the Lord will give us discernment when we need to have strong boundaries. That said, our general posture is to show generous hospitality to everyone. Some have welcomed angels without being aware of it. You never know.

Lord, help us welcome others the way You welcome us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.