“stop here for a while. Rest in the shade of this tree while my servants get some water to wash your feet. Let me prepare some food to refresh you. Please stay awhile before continuing on your journey.” Genesis 18:3-5 (NLT)
I don’t know where it came from. Perhaps it developed out of this passage of Scripture. Perhaps it is a natural aspect of human relationships. But down “in the South” it still thrives. Every community, village, and town has their wavers – people who acknowledge passers-by with a wave and a smile. It’s the first indication of the hospitality factor.
Go for a brisk walk in any southern town, when you begin to “break a sweat” stop at the first house where someone is sitting on the porch, veranda, or patio. Just a simple hello and talk about anything. Before you get very far, the person will offer you a drink of water, perhaps invite you to sit awhile and rest. It’s the second factor of hospitality.
Now, they won’t offer to wash your feet but if it’s close to meal time, provided you don’t look like a tramp, druggie, or a criminal, you’ll be invited to stay and eat. It’s the third factor of hospitality.
Even in the South, it’s not as normal in the 21st century as it was in the 20th century and that is tragic. It’s understandable though given the inherent dangers in our society. We have to use wisdom when extending hospitality to strangers, but we must not allow the dangers to stop it altogether. And of course, there are other ways of extending hospitality to those around us.
Dear Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you for stopping by and visiting with us. Empower us with the spirit of hospitality. Enable us to be gracious in all our ways. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his hospitality toward us and show it to others,