Summary: "I told Pastor Blake we'd be glad to have the Whitlocks stay with us," said Mom on the way home from church. "They'll be here next Saturday." "You did?" asked Chelsea. She thought about it. "That's good news and bad news," she decided. "It's good news because it's fun to talk with missionaries, but it's bad news because I'll have to clean my room." Chelsea's room was used for the guest room whenever the family had overnight company. "Wow! Cleaning your room will take a lo-o-ong time," teased her brother Chris. The following week, Chelsea worked very hard to get her room ready. After school each day, she spent some time cleaning her closet, dresser drawers, and desk. On Saturday morning, her mother helped put clean sheets on the bed, and they washed the windows. "Can you think of anything else to make your guests comfortable?" asked Mom. "Um . . . flowers!" exclaimed Chelsea, so she went outside and picked a bouquet. She also set out a candle for the guests to enjoy, and she used her markers to make a "Welcome to our home" sign. "My room is ready!" she declared happily. Soon after supper, the Whitlocks arrived, and they spent the next three days in Chelsea's home. She enjoyed talking with them--and after they were gone, she found they had left her something special. On her bed was a note addressed to her, along with a small package. Chelsea picked up the note and read it aloud. "Thank you for your hospitality. It's a good habit to learn early in life, and you have a special gift for making guests feel welcome. God bless you!" Opening the package, she found a beautiful necklace that had been made in Africa. Chelsea quickly put on the necklace and hurried to show the rest of the family. "Isn't this pretty?" she asked. "I love it." "Cool! Next time I think I'll have them stay in my room!" exclaimed Chris, again teasing his sister. Chelsea grinned at him. "I don't think this necklace would look very good on you," she retorted. After a moment, she added, "It was fun having them here. It was worth all the work, even without the necklace." How About You? Do you cheerfully tackle extra work required when your parents have guests? The next time company is coming, remember that God wants you to welcome guests and make them feel comfortable. You may not have to give up your room, but you can demonstrate God's love by preparing for their arrival and meeting their needs whenever possible. Today's Key Verse: Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. (Romans 12:13) Today's Key Thought: Show hospitality
