The uninvested life is an unfruitful life. Your returns are minimal. But if you invest your life—your time, energy, resources—into the life of another, you will enjoy unimaginable return. Yet, not always in ways you can measure or predict.
I grew up in a home that was always welcoming of others. So did my wife, Alissa. It wasn’t only that when people showed up uninvited they were welcomed in, but also that we deliberately pursued others, inviting and welcoming them in. Often many of these people would come from far away and stay with us for a long time—weeks, months, years. As a result, my sisters and I often grew to love them. But that love often would lead to the pain of saying goodbye. Many of those who came ended up leaving and it was hard, even painful, knowing you might never see them again.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.
Alissa and I have likewise endeavored to live this way. It takes a while to remember and to count all the people who have come into our home and lives and became part of our family. As a result, my children have often grown close and come to love many of them. But as a result I’ve also watched them hurt and cry when saying goodbye. And I am thankful for both experiences. I wouldn’t trade that joy or that sorrow for anything. They learned to love, to welcome, to be hospitable. Their lives are richer because of each of those experiences.
Even so, would it be easier, safer, more comfortable, and less painful not to invite and welcome anybody into our home, into our life? Yes. But we would be far poorer because of it.
Not only in our homes, but in our church: we welcome those who show up uninvited and we welcome those we invite to come. Throughout the years we’ve said goodbye to many who have come and poured their lives into Elim Grace. We’re far richer because of it and I believe they are, too.
Our internship program, as an example, is intended to be an opportunity for those entering full time ministry to receive mentoring and practical training from us. Yet, it has often resulted in the opportunity for us to be enriched by them. We are far better because they came than we would be if they had not.
I encourage all of us, then, to ask for the gift of hospitality —in our lives, in our homes, in our church. Let us love one another. We know it will be hard to say goodbye, but the fruit of the return on the investment will far exceed what they or we could imagine and measure.