Shortly after our marriage, it was time to take the “family
tour” to visit my wife’s family members who hadn’t been able to come for our
wedding. We headed out for Missouri
Our first stop was at Uncle Clint ’s
and Aunt Mary ’s.
Uncle Clint
had lost his eyesight a number of years earlier; I had recently gotten my sight
back. Upon arriving, Uncle Clint
took us on a tour of the house. Later we had a lovely supper. Uncle Clint and I talked long after Aunt
Mary and my new bride went to bed.
As we told stories, we laughed. We laughed so hard
that we woke Aunt Mary
who came out to check on us. “Clint , don’t
you think you’ve told enough stories? I think you need to let Peter get some sleep before tomorrow. You forget that
because you can’t see that the sun will be up soon.” Uncle
Clint looked out the west window
and said, “Oh yeah, I think I see it coming.”
I really felt welcomed there. There were almost 60
years between us, but Mary and Clint were great hosts. Were we welcomed before we
got there or afterwards? They didn’t -even know me yet, but the welcome mat was
out; supper was ready; the bed was already waiting. After our visit, they invited
us to come again. Was it the common understanding of living blind that had made
our stay so much fun, or were they just open, welcoming people?
Like Abraham ’s
righteousness it was a both before and
after event. And so we come to worship: in states of grace and in states of
sinfulness; saint and sinner—welcomed before repentance and blessed with
forgiveness. Each time, we are invited to return. Oh yeah, supper is ready.
Prayer
Lord
we give you thanks for your open arms of welcome and caring. Dressed in your
righteousness, may we walk with you, welcoming others as we have been welcomed.
Amen
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