Hospitality is hard to practice. It challenges us to set aside our own wants and needs to put others first. For me, it requires a willingness to become uncomfortable. I’m not good at welcoming the stranger. I become self conscious. I have to be willing to sacrifice my own expectations for their comfort. What if they say something I disagree with? What if they are mean? Underneath it all is my need to feel safe.
My husband, however, is very good at showing me what hospitality is. He and our boys recently hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up in one day. Here is his words from their experience of meeting Josh.
We met him going down the South Kaibab trail and crossed paths at Indian Garden. He was concerned about making the last 4.5 miles so we welcomed him into our group. I didn’t ask him his political stance or view on vaccinations. We walked and survived together as a community. He expressed his appreciation for allowing him told join our group numerous times. Upon completing the hike, he offered a ride to our car which saved us time on busses and an additional 1/2 mile walk. It was a perfect example of how great things can be if we choose to work together.
Fast forward 2 days- we stopped at the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona. Some guy pulling a trailer miraculously navigated a turnaround with trailer attached in a very small turning area. I had a bad feeling that he may hit our parked rental so I tried my best to scurry down as I was still very sore. I noticed the truck backing up near where we were parked and my concern rose even more. The driver made it through before I could get down there. I was glad it all happened for two reasons. One, he didn’t hit the car. Two, he didn’t hit the car because a guy stopped him right before it happened. That guy happened to be Josh from Ohio. It’s a small world and I’m sure there’s more going on with our existence than we realize. I’m convinced the more you work with and try to help others, the more rewarding that existence will be.
13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:13-18 NIV).
He perfectly lived out this scripture. He practiced hospitality and reminds me that it is okay and necessary to be uncomfortable for the sake of others. Hospitality is what we are called to do.
How do you show hospitality? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.