Making space in our lives is an
incredible gift to others, and to ourselves. I just read a brief post by Sarah
Thebarge, a writer, follower of Jesus, medical professional, among other
identities. While out of town on a speaking tour, she was “writing in a Starbucks
in Minnesota when this young man came in and asked to borrow” her phone. He had
locked his phone and keys in his car. After calling his car insurance company,
they talked while waiting for roadside assistance. He and his family are
refugees from Somalia. A previous encounter with Somali refugees—a mother with
her young daughters—had changed Thebarge’s life.
The gifts go both ways. While
Sarah’s life was changed, she also made their immigrant experience of being
strangers in a strange land less alienating for them. They found new hope and
possibilities.
As we open our own lives to
those we encounter, how do we see Jesus’ eyes shining in theirs? How does Jesus’
touch go through us? Sometimes, a simple word is enough. Other times, we may
find God leading us to incommode our own comfort in order to make a place of
welcome hospitality. And all this is possible because God has already made an
incredible gift of not holding to the high status but coming to be with us in
the midst of all that makes us human.
Hebrews
13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by
doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
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