Angels Unaware
Don’t mistreat any foreigners who live in your land. Instead, treat them as well as you treat your own people and love them as much as you love yourself. Leviticus 19:33-34 (CEV)
We all have had excuses:
“I don’t feel like it today.”
“I’m too tired.”
“I don’t have time.”
I don’t have enough.”
But what if the foreigners mentioned in the verses above were angels sent from God? They might have a purpose or plan, maybe they need something from you to accomplish it. If they are not angels, who are we to ignore another human being? Virginia Ruth (All God’s Creatures) shares what she learned from springtime birds.
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Early in the spring as I walked by the cove near our home, I watched the many birds swimming near shore or walking along the low-tide sands. Some were familiar to me because they were there most of the year, while others seemed to be passing through in the migratory travels.
What I found interesting was that they were all congregating without any squabbles. Not that they were completely mixed, but groupings of like birds were paddling beside groupings of different birds. If one from one group swam or waddled into another group, there wasn’t much squawking. It was as if the “local” birds were welcoming the travelers.
Watching the birds, I wondered how welcoming and hospitable I may or may not be to people who traveled through my life. Those transient people who pass through, college students in town, military families, temporary workers. Many are not “like me” in their stages of life, yet we are all similar in our humanness. Just as I may feel lonely and in need of a friend, so too may they.
The birds reminded me of the Hebrew writers and the admonition to welcome the sojourner and stranger. The birds weren’t squabbling over resources. There appeared to be plenty to share. God has blessed me with many things that I could share with those who are passing through. Wherever we are in life, we can and should welcome those who are passing through. For we never know if we are entertaining angels unaware.
WALK OF FAITH: Today, make a point to welcome a new neighbor, pray for a needy family, tell someone you appreciate them. Reach out to someone who is passing through your life.
Gracious and Loving Lord, thank You for all the lessons that You teach us through nature. Help us to be more aware and to willingly show hospitality to others. AMEN.