We sat around the table finishing breakfast when I spotted movement outside. Everyone who was supposed to be there sat in the circle, so I tracked the motion with my eyes. A person came into view carrying a pillow and blanket. Then another one. And another. Conversation continued as if random people walked through camp happened all the time.

            A comment made earlier that morning ran through my mind. We had a boatload of visitors show up late last night. The pieces came together as the strangers let themselves into the eating hall. The older man tapped Roger on the shoulder, and they locked eyes. Roger’s face lit up and he stood to embrace this man—a man who was obviously a close friend.

            Roger invited the family to grab cups of coffee and plates of food before they set off on the rest of their river journey. They gratefully fixed plates and joined our breakfast routine like they’d been there the whole time.

            This week, I read a book by John Mark Comer called Practicing the Way. He presented the case that we are not only followers or believers of Christ, but we are actually to be his apprentices. In his discussion, he made a strong case for regularly practicing the spiritual disciplines that Jesus modeled in the New Testament. One of those is the discipline of hospitality.

            Everywhere Jesus went he modeled hospitality. He ate with people. Invited people to come along. Provided food for over five thousand hungry folks then joined them in the feast. Visited with the woman at the well and invited her to drink the Living Water. Story after story. Life after life. Healing after healing. And what was the common thread? Each one was welcomed by Jesus. 

            Since towns are many miles apart and there are no roads to connect them, life on the Yukon River lends itself to the practice of hospitality. Need a bed, stay for the night. Out of gas, we have five gallons to get you where you’re going. Running low on food, come eat a meal at our table. People rely on each other the way folks did back in Jesus’ day. And it’s genuinely refreshing.

            All we need is a heart that longs to welcome others in. Into their office. Into their home. Into their life. Laughter and joy around tables. Hugs and fellowship at each reunion. Prayer and encouragement always.

            I want that. I want others to know they are welcome not only in my home, but in my world. For them to feel special, loved, valuable, and accepted. But to also know the secret of the joy is Christ himself.

            Don’t you want that too? For others to know they matter and have value in this sin-riddled lonely world? Let’s set a goal to practice the discipline of hospitality at least once this week and then every week that follows. I wonder how many lives could be touched if we all took this challenge?