Hospitality

This picture says a lot to me about the latest season of life in which our family has been.  Our antique oak round dining table hasn't looked like this in five months.  It has been stretched and has welcomed many guests and family members.  This simple round shape looks so small compared to having 1-4 leaves in it.

We started out in June hosting the six children of our friends for four days, then it was straight into having my sister and her five kiddos here.  The thirteen of us all left at the same time, as our family headed out for our trip west.  We brought Grandpa and Grandma Clark back with us, and the day after they left, Grandpa and Grandma Wolfe came to visit for a few days.  The day after they left, our house guest and new friend, Scott, moved in and ended up staying with us for the last three months, moving out while we were gone to Colorado.  Phew!

As I look back, the thought that comes to my mind is thankfulness.   First and foremost I am thankful for the shelter and home that God has provided for us.  We have always said that our home, our vehicles, and our possessions are not ours.  They are His.  He has blessed us richly, and in return we want to share with others.  So we host and welcome because of His love and provision.

Secondly, I am thankful for family.  We have been able to host grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.  They are special to us and we are blessed to have relationships with them.

Thirdly, we are thankful for friends, old and new.  To share our home with others and to bring them around the fellowship of our humble table is a privilege.

So who's next?  Well, we have family coming for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  We're looking forward to it!  As for anyone else.....we'll just have to see who the Wolfe Welcoming Bear brings to us next.