November 23rd

”Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7

it is not that hard.
take some of the oil
of mercy and lubricate
those rusty hinges
of our hearts so
that they open easily.
grab a broom, and sweep off
all those fears which litter
the sidewalks which lead
to the front porch of our souls
so that strangers won’t trip.
take a skein of compassion
and another of hope, and knit
a soft shawl to drape around
those too used to shivering
from all the cold shoulders
offered to them by the world.
hospitality doesn’t have to be perfect,
after all, Jesus stood there,
dust covering his callused feet,
the wind tangling his hair,
waving over that ragtag bunch
of weary and wandering pilgrims
which included us, inviting us
to rest and breathe in
the grace of God.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman