Opportunity for Hospitality [Choosing Joy]

In our yard we have several large, old maple trees. I love to sit in their shade and read or just listen to the birds. For the longest time I have wanted a double glider swing to put under those maples. I envisioned neighbors stopping to chat and watching the kids chase the fireflies as we rock in the breeze. I wanted to use it to help my family connect with others and make our neighborhood feel more welcoming. Finally this spring we were able to fit the cost into our budget, and we have been enjoying the swing ever since.

Yesterday, we had just gotten home from church, and my husband looked out the window to find a strange man lying on our glider swing. In the 90 degree heat he was wearing jeans and a hooded sweatshirt, and he appeared to be slightly disoriented. I watched from the window with the kids as my husband went out to speak with him to see if he needed any help. The man immediately got up, made an excuse that he was just passing through, and wandered on down the street. We live on the edge of town and so no one needs to pass through our neighborhood to get anywhere. I wondered, how did he get to our street? Is he dangerous? Where is he headed? Should we call the police to investigate him?

“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)

Looking back I wonder if we could have shown this man greater hospitality. My husband was certainly not unkind to this stranger, but we might have missed an opportunity to minister to someone in need. What if we had simply let him nap on our swing and not disturbed him? What if we had gone out to greet him with a cold drink? What if we had been able to engage in a conversation with him to find out his story? We have so few opportunities like this one that I fear we were unprepared. We cannot go back to yesterday, but we can remember to pray for this young man. Perhaps that is all he really needs anyway.

Father God, bless the young man that paused to rest on our glider swing. Forgive us for not extending more hospitality to him. Put people in his life that will love him and show him Your love. And may the lessons learned through this story bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.