“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining.” -1 Peter 4:8-9
Recently, my family and I took a road trip vacation. Our first stop was in Waco, Texas. We visited the Magnolia Market at the Silos. If you are not familiar with the Magnolia Market, it is a large, beautiful place to shop and enjoy food of all kinds. It is owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines. Chip and Joanna are known for their popular T.V. show, “Fixer Upper” on HGTV. The popularity of the show and the products sold by this family have caused Chip and Joanna to become a household name.
In 2014, Chip and Joanna opened The Magnolia Market in downtown Waco. It quickly became a destination for people from all over to visit. It has been such a success that it has helped to revitalize downtown Waco. In Joanna’s own words, “It has always been our dream to create a store that is more than just a place to shop, but a place where family and friends can gather together.”
I must admit I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived at Magnolia Market. We found a wonderful, large place that truly had something for everyone. There was a large store, and a bakery. There was also a large outdoor area for family and friends to just relax. This large area had a play area in the center with artificial grass for kids to play. It was surrounded by covered places to sit and eat as well as multiple food-trucks. The staff was wonderful and helpful, wherever we went. I did not know what to expect at the Magnolia Market, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Our visit to this place was fun for the whole family. It served as a reminder to me that hospitality makes a difference in what we do. The staff, the facilities were all designed to be family friendly and invite each guest to relax and enjoy their time.
As a church, a family of faith, we must consider how important hospitality is to our faith. When we encounter visitors, do we welcome them to our church and help make their time relaxed and pleasant? Do we invite them to church? Do we go out of our way to help others feel at home in our family of faith? Do we truly go the “extra mile” to ensure we are being hospitable? Hospitality is so important. It creates the church home that we desire for ourselves and for the world. How can you extend hospitality as a part of your faith?
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
