Messy Friendships...

May 30th, 2025

Our dog Gratzi is, without a doubt, my favorite family pet so far. She’s well-behaved, loyal, and, best of all, she loves just being with us. Most mornings, the moment she hears the front door open, she comes running to sit with me on the porch. No leash needed, she just hangs out, pacing a little, then settling next to me while I read. She watches the world go by: people, birds, squirrels, even delivery trucks. She’s my little buddy for sure.

But even Gratzi has her moments.

Just a few days ago, we came home from running errands to find the trash can tipped over, plates, napkins, and wrappers scattered like confetti, and one very guilty-looking dog waiting for us. Before we could even say a word, she dropped to the floor and rolled onto her back in full-on “I’m sorry” mode, letting out a whine that almost sounded like an apology. It was hard for us not to laugh, but we held it together, offered a firm scolding, and cleaned up the mess.

That little episode reminded me of something important: when there’s a foundation of love and connection and someone knows they belong and are safe, there’s space for even the tough conversations.

This Sunday, Pastor Jeff will be preaching from Acts 18, where we’ll see a beautiful picture of this kind of gospel hospitality in the lives of Aquila and Priscilla. Not only did they welcome others into their home and life, but they also showed how true hospitality creates space for discipleship, even when correction is needed. They pulled Apollos aside and “explained to him the way of God more accurately.” And Apollos, rather than taking offense, received their words with humility. As a result, the gospel advanced powerfully.

Hospitality isn’t just about dinner tables and warm greetings, it’s a way of life that builds gospel community. It creates space for truth to be shared in love, for correction to be received with grace, and for people (and sometimes even dogs) to flourish in an atmosphere of belonging.

I hope to see you Sunday as we continue learning what it means to live a life of open doors and open hearts. We are back to our original Church Air BnB, The Harlow Event Space, 1525 Grand Ave., Kansas City, MO. Our services are still at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am.

With you in grace and Gratzi’s kind of loyalty,

Troy

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