Although they are not new, they are becoming more prominent while travelling today's major highways. Welcome Centers, and when you cross into the next state, it is not unusual to encounter one within the first few miles. From rest stops with vending machines in cages, with access for none but the smallest hands, to huge buildings with free refreshments, they tell a lot about the personality of the state you just crossed over into. It seems the farther west, and farther north you go, they are more spartan, but the farther south and east, the more elaborate. And providing a welcome is exactly what they do.
Entering Maryland on US13, on the Delmarva peninsula, you are greeted by this huge house like building, staffed by volunteers, who can answer any questions about what is on the road ahead. And in recent years, with so many bikes on the road, many have become motorcycle friendly. Recommending the long way, with better roads, instead of the four laner around towns. Non-tourist advice to tourists, making your trip special. Offering refreshments, info on where to stay-some even offering to make reservations for you, discounted no less, like the one in Tennessee a few years back. Offering free brochures, maps-my favorite, for free, and helping you plan your trip through their state, and not necessarily the same route that the Chamber of Commerce would plan for you. And some stick out in my mind on this last ride.
Louisiana, where the man gave Theresa a piece of cotton, with seeds from a live display, for her preschool class. The bumper sticker in Mississippi, saying "I'm not your Mama, pick it up ! Simple, yet effective. The women in Alabama, suggesting places to eat in Dothan, where the locals eat. And of course the one on I-95 when entering Florida. Huge compared to any other, due to the fact it is on I-95, which is Main Street USA for those fleeing the Northeast and the Rust Belt, and wintering in Florida. An air conditioned oasis on a 95 degree day, that welcomes you with cold, Florida orange juice. Now personally, Florida makes the best OJ, its oranges are sweeter, and this was like OJ heaven, the drink not the convict. Standing there overdoing it, but no one commenting, the OJ flowed like rain for me, and I was totally refreshed. One of the women volunteers, even allowing me to use her personal computer to find the Triumph dealer in Daytona.
And outside seeing my first Florida State Trooper car, always like to ID them before they ID me, assisting where a semi had caught fire, melting the cab and engine to the ground. Fortunately, no one was hurt. And reflecting a central theme found in each and every rest stop, a pride for their state, and the desire to make you welcome as you visit their state. Welcome to their home, if you will.
Our church recognizes first time visitors, and I like to think of us as a welcome center. And I try to notice who is new, and try to greet them afterward. I want them to be welcome, be blessed, and feel comfortable. This is my church home, and I am proud of it, if that is the right word to say. We have met other bikers, people from places we visit, and have shown them places to eat, and sometimes take them home with us to visit. Showing hospitality to a stranger, and hopefully making their visit one they will remember with fondness.
Meeting Jesus is like that, He makes you feel welcome. From the men on the road who He walked with, and whose hearts burned when He was with them, to those He welcomed while feeding and teaching, anyone who had an encounter with Jesus, found He made an impact on them. Some lives He would change, and some only saw Him as Joe and Mary's kid. Some recognized Him as God, some were just hungry, thank you very much for the free meal. But all who encountered Him, will have to make a decision someday on who He is. And the church, His representatives, may be that means. The love you show to strangers, your kids, and your pastor, tells a lot about who Jesus is in your life.
Recently visiting Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, we saw Pastor Chuck, and when he came to speak, the room broke into applause. An applause of love, one I wish our church would do for our pastors. A show of love, that was contagious, even before any words were spoken. A huge welcome center, welcoming their pastor. Who then goes on to lead, disciple, encourage, and inform his flock all about the things of Jesus-just like the volunteers at the welcome centers along the road.
All your words man nothing if you don't show love. Welcome someone today, show them Jesus is more than rules and regulations. And it is OK to do this outside of church, and on days other than Sunday. He is bigger than denominational barriers, and you are welcome in His house anytime. Spend time fellowshipping afterward, and take notice of visitors, or of those looking to belong. Invite them to join you, and you will find the scriptures come alive. For just like Jesus told us, once we were strangers, but now we are friends. A friend of Jesus, is how He sees us. I hope you do too.
For we are all just visitors here, just passing through. Enjoy the trip, and the OJ.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
