I have come to believe it is the duty of every man to create a safe house for their community and for the people in yours and your family’s life.

I am writing this blog piece after a full Fathers day meal, now I have retired to my desk and 3 woman are chatting together in the front room, and to be honest I am being a little ignored, though it is good to remind myself again that I have chosen to open my house and it is a blessing that there is freedom and peace for others to be at home.

Yesterday one of our friends turned up with her baby out of the blue because she needed a break from the busy stress at her home and an hour later we collected a friend who was having issues with her family and so needs somewhere to stay for a few days.  And today another friend came back for lunch with us after Church as her husband is working all day.

Yes I had to make a quick attitude adjustment but it fills my heart with joy, that these and many other young woman feel that ours is a home where they can be themselves, rest and be at ease, the Bible is very clear that we should be hospitable and welcome even strangers into our home, in our culture this can be a little difficult at times and I used to think I need my own space and to dwell just with my family, but after hearing of some very Godly men for example Rob Parsons who have made it a habit to open their family home, I have a renewed perspective, know it is a privilege to open our house and it is a privilege to be able to pastor them as we get to know them on a whole new level.

So I ask you today, how could you help God in bringing heaven to earth? How could you be more open and hospitable, so many people in your environment need a helping hand? Need befriending? Or perhaps needs adopting for a season? Maybe it’s one of your friends, someone in your Church or even one of your children’s friends?

John Maxwell’s book ‘Breakthrough Parenting’ taught me that your house should be the most exciting house in the neighbourhood, so that all your kid’s friends want to be there, not only will you know where your kids are, you will be able to mentor and influence them all for Gods glory!

This as Fathers is our challenge, we are called to Father not just our own but Gods other children as we have opportunity and the grace to do! Who in your world needs a little bit more of you and the peace your family can bring?