Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home, welcomed an average of 600 visitors a year during our first president’s lifetime.

Washington wrote, however, that one year, he and Martha hosted over 1000 people! Washington is the poster child for southern hospitality. At a time when taverns were few and travel was difficult, the south opened up their homes to any visitor who came knocking.

A close look at Washington’s estate will reveal the great comfort he afforded his guests. Bedrooms for the company had colorfully painted walls, ornate wallpaper, beautiful bedding and carpets — elegance he didn’t even decorate his own sleeping quarters with.

Our God was the originator of hospitality. “For He makes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

God is gracious to strangers, even those who don’t know His name or who refuse to bend to it. But, like our first president, the doors of grace don’t stay open forever to strangers. At some point, strangers must leave. Only family has a permanent place at God’s table and in His house. Only those who love the Host, those who are willing to put in a helping hand, get all the benefits of family.

What a wonderful family we have been welcomed into!