The HeArt of Welcome

For a long time now, I've pondered the idea of putting a book together for those who want to learn the deeper meaning of the HeArt of welcome. Anyone can invite someone into their home, neighborhood, community, or church, but what does welcome look like when reflecting the image of Christ?

My family always had a picnic table in our yard. Whether at the lake or in our backyard, the picnic table was always open. I guess this is where I first witnessed the HeArt of welcome. My mom and dad had the gift, but they also had the heart of Christ. Our doors were always open to those in need or for just being present in the lives of people. We had more fun around those tables. From slurping watermelon to scarfing down fresh, fried fish, from char-grilled hamburgers and hotdogs to homemade coleslaw and Lay's potato chips, our yard was always full of fun, food, family and friendships.

I miss those lazy days basking in the sunshine with gobs of people gathered around. I miss my dad's silly jokes, my mom's amazing cooking, and not having a care in the world. I miss the table talk - conversations about anything and everything. I miss the laughter. And, I especially miss not having to watch the clock because we had to hurry off to get to somewhere else.

Time was never short. We were never in a hurry.

Time was rich and full because being present with each other is what mattered. 

Now, we never seem to have enough time to "get-it-all-done." We cram into the white squares on our calendars crazy stuff that really doesn't matter in the eyes of eternity. Why are we so scattered, forgetful and worn slap out? It's because we meet ourselves coming and going, doing this, going here, there and yonder, believing we're living the full life God promised us, when all we're doing is filling life with lesser things.

I'm sure in my parents' 50 years of marriage they entertained some angel strangers and weren't even aware of it. And in our attempt to accomplish more and more, we're missing out on the simple art of heart - welcoming people into our lives and our homes; not for the sake of entertaining, but for Jesus' sake.

Hospitality originated with God. He created us to bring Him glory, and He's always desired to do life well with us. His name, Immanuel, means God with us.

Community has become a Christian buzz word - a word magnified and overused until no one wants to hear it anymore. You see it everywhere, even churches have inserted it into their names as if Church doesn't mean community. Living in "community" isn't man's idea - it was God's idea. Gathering His people in His fullness of His presence was always His intent. This is where our hospitality flows from - the heart of a loving God pouring in and out of hearts devoted to Jesus Christ. Christ's heart is all about inviting people into His space. He never shuns or shies away from anyone desiring to belong. His heart gushes love, compassion and mercy all over anyone who is willing to walk by faith, live like Christ, and obey His commands.

Be hospitable to one another without complaining (1 Peter 4:9). 

A cheerful heart doesn't just give money away or place it in an offering plate during a worship service. A cheerful heart gives time and talents as well. This is the HeArt of Welcome. It's being present in the moment with and for each other. We love because He first loved us. And we give of ourselves out of our love for Him.

Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us

 and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 

Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another 

(1 John 4:10-11, CSB).

How can you show the HeArt of Welcome where you are? I'd love to hear your ideas.

My Pleasure,

Melanie

P.S. If you haven't already, would you please subscribe to my blog. I'm working on a book proposal and I need to be able to show publishers I have an engaged audience. Thank you in advance.