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 long-suffering when it came to her husband’s unique ministry.
It had been two years since Jeff had brought home their last house guest. 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.

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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.”