Lessons in Hospitality

I’m a firm believer that practicing hospitality is a crucial part of building authentic community. Part of the missional life is to make others feel comfortable and welcomed into our lives. Our small group is blessed to have a person whose top spiritual gift is hospitality. Inviting us to her home and making us feel welcome and cared for just naturally flows out of who she is. I looked around and tried to figure out just what she does that makes us all look forward to coming to her home where we can spend time together.  Here’s what I noticed:

• We were all welcomed with a smile and warm hello
• The house looked lived in, but not a total mess
• Candles were burning on the kitchen table and in the bathroom
• She served us each a cold drink as we entered the kitchen
• We were free to stand together in the kitchen and interact together
• The TV was off
• Her children warmly greeted each one of us
• She made sure there was enough seating
• She made sure there was enough room for another member to easily navigate in her wheelchair
• Her desserts are outstanding!
• She didn’t refuse offers to help clean up
• She offered to have the group at her home every time we meet
• She turned on the porch light as we left

These are small things, but put together help create a warm place where interactions easily happen. In our fast paced world, we tend to bypass the little hospitable things that go a long ways toward creating community. I’m glad God has gifted some to hospitably serve and lead the way toward community.