Hospitality to Strangers

Pastor’s Column. 11/10/09. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13: 2.
Maybe Abraham didn’t realize that he was entertaining angels, but nowadays hospitable people are more so the angels. As you move across the country they feed you and offer you the use of their guestroom. They make sure you are well-cared for, and so you just naturally want to return their graciousness by showing them respect and courtesy. Easier said than done.
Why? Staying in a guestroom is tricky. The bed is so picture perfect that lest you unruffle its ruffles, you think it better to sleep on the floor. There are shams and duvets and comforters and afghans and quilts stacked high above the sheets. And millions of pillows! European pillows, standard pillows, neck pillows, etc. If you were actually in the bed with all the coverings and pillows on top of you, could you move? Or would you have to stay in an uncomfortable position until your host came to your rescue the next morning.
Then there’s the guest bathroom. Here again you want to show your respect to your host, so can you actually use the towels or are they merely decorative? One would be a really poor guest if he/she accidentally used a decorative washcloth on his/her body, not to mention left a decorative shower curtain wet and mildewy.
It would be a real help if guest quarters came with a user’s guide.

DJ