Welcome

If you recall the saying, “If you looked in the dictionary under the word  … there would be a picture of …., what would your answer be if you inserted the word welcome?   My choice would be “my mother-in-law.”  She welcomed everyone! When she was with friends and family (and strangers too), she took that word to heart and her face lit when given the opportunity.  To her, welcome was an action word.  She couldn’t do enough for those around her.   It was how she lived her life; and I thank God that I was able to witness her example.  She welcomed me as the new giggly girlfriend of her son, at my naïve and tender age of only 16.  She welcomed me to family meals and events, showing me what it meant to feel loved.  She also, very definitely, played an important role in my spiritual journey in feeling welcomed as I pursued my faith in God.  She was my sponsor when I stood at the alter and received my first communion on Christmas Eve when I was only 20 years old.  I only pray, in my lifetime, that others have felt just as welcomed because of my actions.  As I look back on that time, I now understand that she was one of my first experiences in understanding AND feeling truly welcomed.  What a wonderful role model!  How did the person you recall as a role model lead you on your journey towards Christ?  How good it is to feel welcomed.  But remember it goes both ways!  Jesus calls us to reach out to others, helping them on their journey to recognize His opened arms.  After all, we are His arms and heart on this earth, to be used for his glory and the benefit of others, not ours.  My amazing mother-in-law did just that.  It was always for someone else, not herself, that she reached out her arms and heart, making others feel welcomed.  She was famous for her lemon poppy seed and cranberry nut breads and joyfully baked and distributed to all.  She loved to serve others and was the best hostess at her dinner parties.  Everyone felt welcomed (and enjoyed her delicious cooking too).  She made me, and all who met her, feel welcome.  And when God finally called her home over five years ago, I know she was blessed with seeing Jesus standing there at the gates of Heaven, arms outstretched and the first to welcome her home.

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”  Romans 15:7