Tip of My Iceberg

We’ve been blessed with having thirteen college students stay with us during their spring break, courtesy of our two oldest grands. They’ve come from the cold climes of northern Indiana, so a little Florida sun was a gift.

People who find out about our decision are a bit amazed. Why would we choose to do something like that?

It sounds a bit preposterous. Where did we put them? How do we feed them? How do we do life–work and whatnot–with so many people and two showers?

I’m not a detail person. We raised six children in this house, so we understand what making space for people looks like. At various times over the years, we’ve had people live with us for extended periods of time. We’ve experienced the challenge and fun of mutual space.

Our kids are grown, so this house whispers “Let them come.”

And we listened.

It’s been a treat because these young people are kind and gracious. Our younger grands have experienced them as new friends, for each of them has shown interest in the littles. Conversations are hysterical–whether the topic is video games, favorite characters, or board games, there’s a point of connection that comes from hearts of gratitude and grace.

Hospitality is a friendly and generous reception of guests, the focus being on those being welcomed in. Our culture is often closed off to such extravagance because it’s inconvenient, possibly uncomfortable, and it definitely affects personal plans and space.

There are cultures around the world, however, where hospitality is an expected response to those who are needing a place to stay, a meal shared, a safe place in a storm.

Jesus spoke of people opening their hearts to Him and His gospel, those who listened to Him, provided Him with a place to rest, and cared for His needs. Just before His crucifixion, He helped people understand what it meant to care for Him and others.

“For I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home. I was naked, and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me.” Matthew 25:35-36.

When people asked Him what He meant, His response was that in doing this for others in love, we acted as if we were helping Him.

Easter reflects the greatest gift of hospitality we could imagine. It’s an invitation to experience and receive Jesus’ gift of salvation as He offers forgiveness and grace to all who come to Him. He welcomes all who come to Him, all who experience His reception of us who are needy and longing for freedom from guilt and shame. He gives freely to us in love, His generous heart leaves no one out who chooses to be known and loved by Him.

All we have to do is walk through the door of our own hesitations and questions to find we’re invited to participate in an eternal relationship of love and hope.

It wasn’t a hard decision to allow these young people to stay with us. I’ve been on the receiving end of generous hospitality before with people who haven’t had much and yet share gladly what they do have. Giving freely of what we have to those who appreciate it makes sense.

I’ve received the gift of forgiveness and love from Jesus that I’ll never be able to pay, so a little bit of hospitality on our part is a bit of paying it forward.

Besides, we’ve been blessed with new friends, lots of laughter, and a chance to love on others while they’re with us.

In some small way, hosting these young people opens our hearts to receiving Jesus’ abundance; we’ve become a conduit of His love.

What we receive from Him? Oh, it’s so much more than a place to be for a week.

It’s an eternity of hope and love.