Bad times call for us to share our hospitality
"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling."
- 1 Peter 4:9 (NIV)
As the dark clouds loomed overhead, my friend realized the storm warnings for her neighborhood were more than mere predictions. She voiced concern when she heard that damaging tornadoes were among the forecast as well.
Many years had come and gone without a trace of a twister in their town. But as the torrential rains poured down and the winds fiercely blew, tree limbs and debris started falling and fears started rising.
Within half an hour, streetlights dangled from the tops of their posts. Power lines lay on the rain soaked ground. Rooftops were tattered and torn off. Hearts were heavy as they realized the damage storm winds brought to this modest little town.
Power outages were apparent as the sweltering heat soon replaced the comfort of the air-conditioned buildings. My friend's husband started up the small generator they had on hand. Running her fan for a breath of fresh air and keeping her food from spoiling were among her many concerns.
Several days went by without the electricity being restored. My friend watched from her window as the workers sweated around the clock to replace fallen power lines.
As days went by, concerns for her neighbors grew. How could they afford to travel to the other side of town and pay for the cost of three meals a day with a family consisting of several members? Many neighbors thought of utilizing their charcoal grills, but their use was forbidden due to potential fire hazards. However, she pondered, her gas grill wouldn't be a problem.
Spirits rose as she invited neighbors for a cookout. Between what she could provide and what others pitched in, there was plenty of food for everyone. As meat sizzled on the grill, various aromas soared through the air. It was a great time of sharing food and fellowship - like an old-fashioned block party.
A bad situation turned out for the better simply because a bit of hospitality was offered. When God placed the gift of hospitality within us. He knew the many ways it could be utilized. When difficulties arise we can place our grumbling aside and take a moment to ponder how we could offer some hospitality to someone in need.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Contact her to speak at your group or event or to be your life coach, Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.