Hospitality

There is no doubt in my mind that hospitality is a spiritual gift. Those who have it make it look easy. I appreciate that because I have to work at it. I have seen some great examples of hospitality who have taught me much about showing mercy to others through hospitality. There are those close to me who have the gift and part of the nature of this gift is that they would not want to receive any credit for it.

One of our dear friends from the past was a real southern lady named Rae. Many times we ate at her table in Kentucky with her husband, John. There were plates of fried chicken or country ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, and there were always pies.

After dinner she would pull a tall stool up to the sink and start on the dishes. We always offered to help but she always turned us down in her gentle but firm way.

“No,” she said, “I’m just working my way out of a job.”

She wanted us to enjoy the visit and not work. We often stayed at the kitchen table to talk while she listened. I think she liked that. She spoke with a smile in her voice and a twinkle in her eye. Yet you also knew there was no point arguing with her. She was a small lady who had a big presence in her home. Her husband, John, looked twice her size when they stood together, yet in her home it was obvious that she was the queen of the house.

Rae had the gift of hospitality. One of the most restful vacations we ever took was a trip to Rae’s house when the children were small. Rae watched the children while John took Joyce and me fishing. Rae taught the children that chores can be fun. She taught them hospitality and the meaning of kindness.

Hebrew 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (ESV)

Rae is in heaven now and I am sure she is still entertaining angels. I can hear her now whenever I get close to finishing a project, (and if you are helping me you might just hear me say), “I’m just working my way out of a job.” Let’s all celebrate the gift of hospitality with an act of kindness today.
Bro. Robin