Welcome

I was reminded last night of the rich blessing of hospitality.  Not just the blessing of being welcomed into a home.  But being welcomed into a conversation.  Welcomed into someone’s world.  Welcomed into their heart.  And having someone share their world and heart with you in return through meaningful conversation.  Isn’t that truly better than anything we can buy for one another on Amazon or at the mall?

This Christmas season, take time to have conversations that matter.  Welcome people into a safe place with you.  Especially teens.  They surely need a safe place as much as anyone does these days.  Ask questions that you really want to hear answered.  Pray together.  Eat together.  Laugh together.  Play together.  Make memories without interrupting every moment for selfies.  Just be there.  Fully.  Who will you welcome into your life in the coming days and weeks?  And what difference might it make?

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

– Matthew 25:34-40