“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers…”

Hebrews 13:1,2 (NRSA)

I am not sure how many people remember the Welcome Wagon. A version of it is depicted in the movie Where the Heart Is. In the movie, Sister Husband travels around to greet new community members and provides them with token gifts. Years ago, I experienced the welcome wagon first hand when my husband and I moved into a new home.

For those of you too young to remember or have never heard of this, here is your brief history lesson:

The Welcome Wagon was founded in the 1920s in Tennessee. A “hostess” would visit new homeowners bearing coupons and advertisements from local businesses. This gave new neighbors a chance to learn what was available in the community. Sadly, in 1998, the company discontinued the use of hostesses when research showed the majority of homeowners would not be home when the hostesses visited. Boy, is that a sign of the times!? Today, the company still exists through online services and work with small businesses. 

As I said, I was the recipient of a welcome wagon package – no hostess visit though. I bet I wasn’t home (It was the mid ‘90s). When I received the information, we were the first people moving into a new subdivision. Over time, the neighborhood grew and we were joined by other families of all ages and sizes. As a young, energetic, sociable wife and mom, I decided to bake something to take to each new neighbor. I would also provide our name and phone number as well as the name and phone number of the closest pizza place. The routine went something like this: notice a new family moving in, prepare my goodies (usually pie or cookies), and go meet the new neighbors. I was determined to know the people my children would be interacting with and share some hospitality.

As my children were growing older, our close knit cul de sac families changed. Changes came through divorce, relocating for work, moving to down size, etc. With the passing of time, the homemade goodies were replaced by store bought pies or fruit baskets and then they ceased all together.

Then, someone moved in behind us – my back fence bordered their yard. I did not go to met them. I used the excuse that I never know if they are home or not, or if it is a good time, or if they will care for what I bring.

Sound familiar? Never enough time. Someone else will do it. Everyone is just too busy.

In Isaiah we are reminded not to neglect hospitality – the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers. We are called to show hospitality.

Today, think of someone you can extend a little hospitality to – maybe a new neighbor, a co-worker, or someone you just haven’t gotten to know very well. Chances are your actions will lift you as much as the other person. 

Don’t wait. Don’t leave it for someone else to do. The scripture says we should continue the love. 

If not you, then who? Don’t miss a blessing.