12/20/2025
"Hospitality is the art of making people
want to stay without interfering
with their departure."
Daily Walk
The English word for "hospital" comes from the Latin word meaning "guest room." The word hospitality is derived from this word, so in essence extending hospitality to a guest in your home means that guest is being hospitalized. Hospitality extended to people is "others-oriented," which is Christianity at its best, but sadly it has become a lost art. Today's culture is very self-oriented, and people do not make themselves available as they used to do. Hebrews 13:1-2 exhorts us: "Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels."
My thoughts drift back to times we have housed visitors in our home, when we were young and my parents were still living. I remember very well how giving and loving my mother always had been towards others. My daddy as well. There was a man who lived in the woods, alone I am assuming, who had questionable mental capabilities. We were always warned to keep the doors locked just in case he'd stop by the house, as he often did, and daddy may not be home. Daddy picked him up if he was walking on the highway many times when we were with him, and I was never frightened. He didn't always smell very good, but I liked him, and he seemed a pleasant fellow. As I got older I often wondered what happened to him, but I failed to ask my parents. So many things I wish I had asked them. I taught that same art of hospitality to my children, and I pray that it never becomes a lost art with them. The world is so different now, even in this small little area, but I have hope still. Perhaps that's why I'm here. I know that God is teaching me something during this waiting period. Some days it is more difficult as I endure the mood swings my son struggles with on a daily basis. His memory seems clouded, and he seems so burdened and sad. I know that loneliness sets in. I understand these feelings, and I know they are very real and raw, but the joy of the Lord does indeed strengthen me. I know how to pull my way out of the clutches of the enemy, but others seem so blinded to the darkness he tries to bring. But, I will continue to look into the Light of God's countenance and behold the wonder of His glory. There is no better way than Jesus. If I could only persuade others of this fact. Soon, very soon, it will be different.
I'm enjoying a little entertainment this evening, watching Scrooge with Albert Finney produced in 1970. I love seeing how old Scrooge is transformed into a much better human being after he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and yet to be. I wonder if all the disagreeable, unhappy lot of present day mankind might have a transformation and total change of heart if they were paid a visit by this threesome. It's something to think about. I believe watching movies of faithful traditions like this one would brighten up the most dour soul.
When I become discouraged I don't have far to look to see reminders of the wonders of my Lord and my King. Not long ago my daughter sent me a post that had the words "Happiness, Gratitude, Balance" with each word written vertically down the page, each consecutively written in darker ink. Perhaps God wanted me to see the bold letters of the word "Balance," so I would learn to step back and reconsider all the events of my day that are becoming burdensome, so that cannot be of God. There is peace when God orchestrates our days and schedules.
The candles for the final evening of Hanukkah have flickered out, and the light of Christmas draws closer. The setting sun alerted my neighbor to light up the night with his string of Christmas lights around his home. It is quiet on this Sunday evening as many lounge in their homes, enjoying the remainder of their weekend, not all ready for the morning alarm for work. The bite of winter is officially starting tomorrow, and the chill of the evening temperatures seem to announce the approach of bitterly colder weather. I haven't seen my semi-feral cat, Alex, in a couple of days, so he must be snuggled up in his second home within the neighborhood. I feel a little jealous that someone else may be loving him also, when I should be thankful that there is someone else who cares for the rascal who insists on living free. Lord, please watch over my little feline friend and all others who may not have proper homes. They are welcome here.
Until tomorrow, covers pulled up, nestled and snug in my bed, I'll say good night to all. Shalom.
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