Hospitality

Proverbs 31:15 "She giveth meat to her household and a portion to her maidens." Verse 20: "She stretcheth out her hand to the poor...to the needy."

I grew up in the home of a minister. I feel blessed to have been trained in  hospitality. Maybe it was a given. We never lived in a huge, beautifully decorated home. But it was graced with the beauty of open arms to all people. My bedroom was often filled with guests, bedding me in the living room floor. Many were the times my sister and I were washing and drying what seemed like tons of dishes in the wake of having a table filled with friends who dropped in. The result of this is that I still have friends all over the country!

My parents' hospitality was just as good when it was only family.  My mother was never a gourmet cook, but she wasn't intimidated at setting a table. Our evening meals were filling and personable with lively conversation. My daddy had been raised in very undesirable conditions and he requested good table manners from all of us. It warms me to remember those days. I also note that my siblings and I all love people and don't hesitate to share and give.

For over a week, my husband and I have been guests in our daughter and son-in-law's home. An extended stay in any home can strain the level of hospitality.  On the light side: Ben Franklin said, "After 3 days, fish and company stink!"  Staying in a guest cabin here helps, but I've got to say these people give their heart to making people feel welcome! In addition to us feeling it,

I've watched a steady stream of neighbors and friends drop by. It has a lot to do with training, but more to do with their sharing and caring for others. I commend them for their example.

The Proverbs 31 woman obviously was given to attending her family as should be. But note that she also reached out her hand to the needy. This woman took giving to the next level. I'd like to suggest that neediness isn't always being destitute. It implies a need within of any kind. All of us have a need to feel connected with others. I'd like to label this reaching out of the hand as "hospitality".  It is an extension of yourself to your friends and neighbors.  It simply means to open your house and share your table. It really shouldn't be difficult to do this with those we are comfortable with. It is very rewarding!

Another level of hospitality is bringing in people you aren't well acquainted with.  You may not feel comfortable with this idea, but I can assure you it is a wonderful blessing and can result in great friendships. A way to do this is to start with your church fellowship. Seek out those who live alone or are elderly. They need attention and often get ignored.  Analyze your neighborhood and fellow workers and look for opportunity to form a relationship that you could enhance by extending hospitality. Another hint: we often expect our pastor's family to be hospitable, but rarely do they get invited into the homes of their parishioners.

I observed another of my daughters host a breakfast where she invited 12 or 15 of her very "needy" fellow workers to whom she knew had never experienced that kind of thing.  It was obvious she had established relationships with them where they were eager to come and sit around a fall campfire for pancakes. I benefited from being included in the circle of sharing and caring that morning!

If you hesitate to entertain because you aren't comfortable with it, relax.  It is not an art. A quote from Max Beerbohm: "When hospitality becomes an art, it loses its soul." Use hospitality as a way of giving to others. It is the heart and soul of Christianity.

Here are a few suggestions:
)1. Keep it simple. Its not about competition with anyone.
)2. Do it impromptu sometimes. Its a challenge, but fun and you don't have all the worry beforehand!
)3. Keep your house straightened. You are always ready and don't have to be ashamed.
)4. Accept offers if your guests want to bring food.
)5. Keep cooked meat, fruit, and pastries in the freezer. You can put a snack or simple meal together quickly.
) 6.Welcome help with the cleanup. If they don't offer, sit and visit.
)7. Its not all about food. Food is just a means of getting people to relax and share. Make your guests comfortable with food and then fellowship. Its a perfect mix.
)8. Stay with tried and true recipes when having guests. Its a lot less stress.
)9. Pray together before their departure. It bonds you together.

Again relax, give of yourself and enjoy some great times with friends and family!