“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13 “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:1-2 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Life’s blessings come in small packages. While we look for blessings in big things, it is the little blessings that make life special. It is these little blessings that add up until you are overflowing with God’s love. One of these blessings is being content with what you already have. There is a saying that the grass is always greener on the other side, but I find the grass in my own back yard is green enough for me and there is less of it to mow. Last week, Mark and I had an opportunity to go with family members to look at a house that was for sale. As we walked through the beautiful home, I was struck with envy for the former owners who lived there. I tried to imagine what it would be like to live in such a beautiful home and soon was feeling sorry for myself because I live in such a simple home. I just knew that if I had a larger and more beautiful home I would be happier. The Lord spoke to my heart and reminded me of how blessed I am to have a comfortable home to live in when there are so many people who live in a shack or don’t even have a roof over their heads. While our home isn’t fancy, it is overflowing with love. Sunday night, Mark invited his Sunday School class over for a fellowship. We cooked pizzas and watched a movie. The kids were a little cramped for space, but didn’t seem to mind. The main thing was they had a place to hang out together and the love of a teacher who cares deeply for them. Kids are always hungry. I quickly put the pizzas in the oven as soon as I got home. I was glad that our good friends decided to come over because I desperately needed help. Everyone sprang into action. The boys got the sodas and ice and their mother sliced the pizza while I put another pizza in the oven. Later, I told them what a blessing they were and how much I appreciated their help. It makes me feel so good that they feel comfortable in my home and pitch in and help where needed. That is true friendship. My grandmother always told me that it wasn’t the size of your home that mattered, but the welcome and love that was inside. The kids didn’t seem bothered that we didn’t have a huge home or that everything wasn’t immaculate. Mark had a cousin that had a huge, beautiful home. I wouldn’t know what it looked like because this cousin and his wife didn’t welcome guests. You had to have an appointment to go to their house. Even his brother had to call ahead to find an appropriate time to visit. From everything I heard, he was rarely in his brother’s home and they had a strained relationship. I think it would be sad to have a beautiful home and no one to share it with. I consider it a privilege to have friends over to my house. It doesn’t have to be a special occasion although when you are with friends or family, it is always special. The apostle Paul stayed with friends as he traveled on his missionary journeys and always thanked them for their hospitality. Although we may not recognize these names, they were special to Paul because they were willing to share their homes with him. In the book of Hebrews we are told that we never know when we might be entertaining angels and I am sure there are times they are in our midst. I think he also meant that we are to always show hospitality. I know there are several people who visit us that are like angels because they bring such joy into our lives. No, we may not have a large, beautiful home, but it is big enough because it is what the Lord provided for us. We have just enough room to have friends over because the walls expand from all the love inside. Who could ask for more?