by Marie Williams


 

1 Peter 4:9
Use hospitality one to another without grudging. KJV

 

    How well we remember the earlier years of marriage. Times were a little hard for my husband and me. Construction work was hard to find, thus we packed our scant belongings and along with two toddlers, moved from Oklahoma to spread our wings and seek work in Arkansas.

 

    We settled in quickly, and soon found relatives living in Pea Ridge, a small community just to the outskirts of Bentonville. To two young people with a couple of toddlers, this family was a Godsend. They quickly became our surrogate parents, and best friends all tied in to one.

 

    We nicknamed Roberta, Birdie. A busy lady, cleaning, baking, gardening, sewing for those in need, yet she always seemed to find time for one more project.

 

    As was often the case, we spent many weekends loading our station wagon with goodies Birdie had prepared to send home with us. Sewing was her passion.  She made clothing for our children and refused to accept pay for them.

 

    Bill, Birdie’s husband, equally gifted, was a carpenter. Carpentry was his passion,  and he made board games, along with wooden trucks he had spent hours perfecting. He frequently made toys for our daughter, and shared his favorite marbles with our son.

 

    These wonderful people were not wealthy according to the ways of the world, but they shared of their means…. food, time, and the scant material things they had available. Most importantly, they shared their love with a young family in need. Their warm hospitality made us feel safe, and secure.

 

    We walked into the house of relatives, but into a home filled with laughter, Godly love and peace. Their actions taught us the true meaning of Christ living in and through Christians. What a sermon their lives preached. Yes, they shared their faith by living it daily.

 

    The next time you think your gift of hospitality is insignificant, consider this……..

 

Mark 9:41
For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you he shall not lose his reward. KJV

 






 













 




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