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My church, like so many others during the season of COVID, did not meet in person. All our services were online.

Going to church for me meant taking my iPad to the backyard patio, which is nestled under a canopy of trees, and sliding into a wicker chair in my sanctuary. Usually, the only ones attending were me, my little dog Charlie, a few birds, and a few squirrels. But one Sunday, we had unexpected company.

About ten minutes before church, a pair of seventy-pound black lab-mix dogs bounded in as the garage door opened. The boys were so sweet—and so lost. They had collars, but no clear identification. They were eager to go wherever I went, so I led them to the sanctuary, hoping to reunite them with their owner after the service. It wasn’t exactly on my agenda to have two large dogs attend church with me that day, but I got them some water and food, and we all settled down as the pipe organ began to play.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us not to forget to show hospitality to strangers, for sometimes we might entertain angels without realizing it. I’m not saying these dogs were angels, although they did mysteriously appear and were lovable. But as I set out to take the dogs home, I had a dozen opportunities to offer hospitality to strangers—people in the online pet-finder community, various vet techs, and others. All divine appointments I didn’t know I would have that day.

Thanks to microchipping, we discovered the dogs’ owner, who was a neighbor up the street I had been praying for. Entertaining her dogs was an avenue for future connection.

Missing the subtle ways God works is easy. We can be too focused on our own agenda. Divine opportunities can seem like interruptions or inconveniences. Today, let’s ask God for eyes to see Him in action and hearts that practice hospitality and kindness.

Be prepared. You never know whom you may entertain.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)