Welcome
"Hey! Come on in! Make yourself at home! Is there anything I can get for you?"
These are the normal sounds one hears upon visiting a friend's home. Sounds of welcome, excitement and service. It is the response you were hoping for when first you decided to drop by, and it is the assurance that they feel about you as you feel about them. In short, they are truly glad that you showed up, and they are looking forward to spending time with you.
First of all, I hope that you will find that spirit to be true of this home on our blog! More than thoughts shared it is to be a place of shared life and joy. I invite you to participate in this our home, drop by often and share your heart on matters that are important to you. As your host, I will try to make sure that you are welcomed and comfortable; and I simply ask that you extend that courtesy to the others that drop by as well.
Secondly, as I ponder upon those 4 simple phrases that I started this conversation with - I am, as always, brought back to our church home; and I find myself asking this simple question, "Are our guests welcomed with excitement and service?" From the parking lot to the pew, do they feel that we would get them a glass of ice water if they were thirsty, a seat if they were weary or a listening ear if they wanted to talk? Those of us who call North Park "home" should make sure that we "host" guests with that heart - of welcome, excitement and service.
...What are your thoughts? Do we do a good job of hosting? Are there ways that we can improve? Do you feel as though you (if you call North Park home) are an active host?
"Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth." (3 John 5-8 NIV)