"Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you," (Romans 15:7)
I walked into the room that was to be "mine" for the next few days when I was to be a guest in her house. I found a robe laid out on the bed, slippers next to the bed, lotions and coffees on the dresser, and a lovely "desk" area set up where I might do some work.
She knew me well. She knew how I didn't like to be cold (especially my feet), and how I love to be comfy at home. She knew my love of coffee and good smells, and that I had plenty of work to be done while I was in town.
It was obvious from all that was in place, that she had made some specific visits to stores, etc to purchase what was in my room---including a lovely vase of flowers. Long before I arrived, she thought about me and my needs and prepared for them. She wasn't there when I arrived, and yet, she welcomed me. In fact, I have never felt so welcomed as I did in her home.
How can we welcome others into our lives, into our everyday? How can we prepare ourselves for them---even strangers we do not know? Can we prepare our hearts, minds, and souls to meet others as they are with a generous spirit by opening ourselves in prayer to Jesus as we start our day? As we prepare for certain tasks and meetings, can we think of those we will meet and determine how to say what will need to be said in ways that can be heard---taking the other's perspective and concerns in account?
Welcoming often means putting the others' needs and preferences ahead of our own. This is an intentionality that can be incorporated into our everyday lives---through prayer, listening, discernment, and generosity. How will you welcome others today?
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