Our family was honored to host Priscillah Kembabazi, Hope Haven Rwanda’s Family Director, in Colorado Springs recently and enjoyed sharing the fruit of hospitality together. In 2 Peter 4:8 believers are instructed to “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” There is something extraordinary about opening your home and sharing the gifts that God has given you with others.
Priscillah and Kimberly enjoyed exploring Glen Eyrie together and reflecting on the life-altering power of hospitality. Glen Eyrie means “Valley of the Eagle’s Nest,” and is a sacred place where countless hearts have been cheered by warm hospitality for more than 100 years.
Construction began at “The Glen” in 1871 by General William Palmer, the founder of the city of Colorado Springs. The Palmer family was known for their generous hospitality. An engraving on the lintel of the entrance doors highlighted the General’s creed regarding visitors (written in the inimitable style of the late-1800’s): “We should a guest love while he loves to stay, and when he likes not, give him loving way.”
In 1906, General Palmer and his daughters were entertaining a guest in the Garden of the Gods. The General graciously allowed his guest to ride his well-trained horse, while he rode an unfamiliar one. During the ride, the horse stumbled, and General Palmer was thrown to the ground. He suffered a broken neck and was paralyzed from the third rib down. During his final three years of life, even though he was disabled, he continued to entertain guests.
Eventually, Glen Eyrie became a ministry center operated by The Navigators and has played a pivotal role in the lives of thousands of followers of Jesus for decades. Even our own family’s journey has been shaped by hours spent in prayer and reflection on the property. Little did General Palmer know in 1871 that this place would become a haven for discipleship and spiritual growth…and it all started with hospitality! Who will you invite to your home this week?