On our way from San Cristobal Verapaz to Antigua we stopped for breakfast. The owner crafted an oasis of sorts for his guests. We enjoyed the company of a beautiful peacock. The landscaping beyond the restaurant highlighted the beauty of the landscape.
Located adjacent our table was a seating area where customers could enjoy an open fire. The light shining in the window created fascinating shadows. I could not help but think the place was waiting. I imagined the life shared around the open flame and wondered how long the space would wait. Surely stories would be told, laughs shared.
These are the sorts of spaces and places the open up friendship. Sometimes we, in our churches, miss the opportunity to create places and spaces as we focus all our energies on passive environments where people may leave without so much as a “Hello.” Hospitality in the Name of Jesus means the wait will not be long. And if it is, we wait together.