I’m
a big believer in doing what is good and right because it is good and right. If
God commands it, then I’d better do it, whether or not there are results I want
or “prizes” being given out.
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Photo Credit: Marion Doss |
That
said, there usually are rewards when we obey God, even for hospitality. Since
I figure I invite 20 families over to one invitation out (I haven’t arrived at
that number scientifically, it’s just an educated estimate), don’t plan on
practicing hospitality so that others will practice on you!
My
mother, after 56 years of practicing hospitality beginning in a 24’ x 8’ foot
trailer going on to different houses around the country with formal dining rooms, is at a stage where she is
reaping some of the rewards.
One
reward is seeing others follow her example. She never set out to “teach”
hospitality or mentor anyone in how to do it. She just did it and (and this is
another theme you will hear frequently me from me!) people were watching! One of our most effective ministries, whether
we want it or not, is being an example.
My mom's table at Christmas with friends |
The
younger women came and enjoyed the meals and some of them began to give hospitality a try.
One
friend of my mom and I—closer to me in age, closer to her geographically—came
into possession of the large family house. She’d been having people over at her
condo, but now she could HAVE PEOPLE
OVER! She even had a dining room and a table! She placed a tablecloth on
the table. Brought out the china, crystal and silver and tried to have the meal
all finish at the same time and on time and enjoy her guests. After a few
attempts, she reevaluated and realized she needed to do things in a style she
was more comfortable with.
Arrive
early at my friend's house and you’ll be chopping, dicing, shredding, stacking,
or pouring. Everyone has a great time joining in the process. Never seems like
as much work when you do it with others, does it? After giving thanks to God,
we line up at the counter and serve ourselves what we want and head to where we
want to eat—the dining room table, the family room sofa, the kitchen table, the
living room bay window, or a cozy spot on the floor. There are always too many to sit just at
the table. Everyone helps with clean up as well, and in between they might
listen to a presentation by a visiting missionary! It works!
She
told my mom, “I was happy to practice hospitality once I realized I didn’t have
to do it like Kay Hamilton!” To which my mom answered, “I never meant to set a
standard. I just did what I was comfortable with.”
So
mom is reaping the reward of seeing others follow, and adapt, her example of hospitality!
Hospitality comes in many different forms! Inviting singles over for game night and snacks, keeping folks overnight, inviting college kids to spend Spring Break at your home, meals served in your own home or taken to others'homes. It is part of caring for others.
ReplyDeleteHospitality is indeed its own reward! And yes, you have to find something you are comfortable with or your guest are going to feel it. I'm learning it's about my guests feeling wanted and welcomed, not about my menu and my table being perfect. Kudos on your mom for setting such a wonderful example!
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