Craig Clouston

Over-the-Road Hospitality

Even though they are strangers to you … show hospitality.
3 John 8

Jeff was a long-haul trucker by profession, a servant by nature. His wife, Debra,
was both gracious and longsuffering when it came to her husband’s unique
ministry.
It had been two years since Jeff had brought home their last houseguest.
The man had stayed on for two weeks before stealing away in the middle of the
night with some of their possessions.
Jeff was on his way home, pulling an empty trailer, carrying an unanticipated
passenger. Home typified small-town America, where everyone knew
everyone else—and their business. So it was no secret that Jeff was known as
the purveyor of hospitality within the sleepy little community.
Over the years, Jeff and Deb had taken in strangers, providing food and
shelter for as long as they needed, offering motivation to rise above the circumstances
that had brought them to Jeff ’s attention.
Notwithstanding their last guest had betrayed their trust, at no time had Jeff
or Debbie considered ending their over-the-road ministry. As God continued
bringing people their way, they continued ministering the love of Jesus Christ.
With chagrin, Jeff remembered the lesson he’d learned about showing up
with someone unannounced. So, in light of that bit of hard-earned wisdom, he
called home while his passenger was grabbing them some coffee. “Hey, Deb.
I picked up a fellow that’s down on his luck. You okay with me bringing him
home?” he asked.
Deb didn’t hesitate. “I’ll have the guest room ready with clean sheets,
towels, and washcloths when you get here. Be safe,” she responded, infinitely
touched by her husband’s compassion.

†

We are passing through this life in preparation for eternity. Jesus, although
He had nowhere to lay His own head, was big on hospitality, to the extent
He advised His disciples to shake the dust from their feet if they were refused
welcome during their travels.
We are to extend welcome to those in need—whether acquaintances or
strangers. With all the crime and mistrust today, showing hospitality can be
a daunting, if not dangerous, proposition. Yet, we are to seize the opportunity
when God solicits our hospitality, trusting He will provide for every eventuality.

Prayer

“Lord, teach me to be hospitable. Show me how to
extend the hand of kindness in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”