Hospitiality

Good afternoon world!  Patrick just informed me that our oldest foster son is on his way here to get their stuff.  Now, most of it is in a storage unit they rented.  Some in a storage unit we have rented, and a couple of things here at our house.  Last May, we drove to Kansas.  Helped them pack.  Loaded a small trailer that we brought with us.  And brought them here to live with us till they got back on their feet.  They (our foster son, his fiancé, their son and the baby she had while they were here) stayed about a month and a half. 

Where do we draw the line about helping people and keeping our house a safe refuge and our family safe?  I knew going in they weren't Christians.  To what extent, I didn't know.  Found out when we got to Kansas though.  I kept expecting them to act a certain way.  But a friend of mine told me why expect it when they don't have Christ in their hearts?  When they left, there was some hurt feelings on my part because of some disrespect on their part. 

If we are to be Christlike in our walk, are we to open up our homes?  A while back I had realized that my first ministry is my family and home.  To me that means I'm to be hospitable, while keeping my home a safe haven for my family.  Keeping house, meals, and laundry and such all are a part of that.  Tending to the boys' homeschooling too is a part of that. 

This is a chance, I think, for me to deal with some bad feelings that have hindered my walk with God.  We are told to forgive others.  We are told to not hold ott against someone.  We are told to show Christ's love to each other.  Over the years with different situations, I believe I've been able to do just that.  However, this past year not so much.  I will be praying about this tonight as they will be here tomorrow.  I'm in tears now thinking about all the time  I wasted being angry about this situation and the things that happened when the other 2 families stayed with us.  And that anger bleed over to others.  I pray God will forgive my unforgiveness! 

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Just some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth