
Supremely hospitable is probably one of the best ways to describe my wonderful parents. They have had people in their home in one way or another most days of my life. It is something that I loved as a child and teen, particularly as an I’m an extrovert! This model of service and love toward others has definitely affected me. For example, when Cameron and I were considering marriage, a major must was him being willing to have our home open to serving others in many ways. Clearly, he was on board, because we married soon after.
Hospitality was so easy as newlyweds and before kids! We have had many people in our home through the years, but hosting people overnight was suddenly less appealing with babies in the house. (Not to mention, there was less space!) During the young children years, we have mainly stuck with dinner guests, which even then could be challenging with naps and bedtimes.
Sometimes I would compare myself to the things I remember Mom and Dad doing and would feel like I should be doing more. Thankfully, God is gracious and would bring to mind that I am serving Him in various ways and it doesn’t have to look exactly like what I imagined, especially in my current stage of life. What people are doing now as their service to God is very likely different to what they were doing ten years ago!
What really brought this to mind this week is the gift of this house we have just begun renting. For the first time ever, we have plentiful space for entertaining/hosting/blessing others and it thrills my soul. We have always hosted people for meals with thankfulness no matter the abode, as those who visited our derelict Ashburton home can remember well. (Thank you, Lord, that it has been demolished now, finally!) Now, we have multiple spare rooms and beds and eagerly anticipate the ways God will use this home for His glory.
Hospitality doesn’t have to be complicated. What it does often require is a sacrifice of your time, and that’s tricky in today’s busy society. Being a blessing to others can be through getting together for a coffee and shouting theirs, or having them over for a chat and a snack. It doesn’t need to be lavish to be wonderful. God says that even giving a cup of cold water in His name is good! For those of us who claim the name of Christ and call ourselves Christian, we should be constantly seeking ways to serve others and share the love of Jesus Christ, as He showed through His examples.
For us, it feels like God is letting our season of hospitality change a bit, and get closer to what we have always desired. We are eager to become part of the local community and share the Gospel with those around us. We look forward to starting a Bible Study and sharing the hope that is within us. We look forward to ministering to our neighbours and work mates and sharing how God has affected our lives. In everything we do, we seek to please Him and show His goodness.
So please, friend, if you will be in the Mackenzie Region of NZ, reach out and we will gladly welcome you.
Feedback time- what is a way that hospitality of some sort has affected your life? Perhaps it’s been through the blessing of being on the giving or receiving end. I would love to hear from you, and I’m sure it would bless others.