Open Arms

"Hospitality binds the world together." Joan Chittister

When I hear the word "hospitality" I usually think of warm welcomes, hugs, feeling at ease instead of awkwardness, and feeling like you are a part of something when you thought you wouldn't be. I'd like to think that I'm a hospitable person. I love to entertain and have invite people over and make them feel welcome. I also try my very hardest to make sure people feel at ease and comfortable. I tend to worry too much if I think others aren't at ease or having a good time.

On the other hand, maybe I'm not so much a hospitable person. I love doing things for those I'm close with, but I'm forgetting about all the other people out there. I need to work on that aspect of it and we'll be good to go.

Jesus was the best example of hospitality. He welcomed others and showed love to even the lowest people. He showed us the greatest ways to make others feel loved and wanted!

Will Do

1. Be open to new ideas
2. Look for the positive in people
3. Be open to new ideas for reaching out to others
4. Remember that we're loved by God and have unique gifts to offer
5. Care about people who live with you and visit your home
6. Concentrate on helping others having a good time

To Do

1. Invite some friends over
2. Join a hospitality group
3. Buy a cookbook with ideas for entertaining
4. Invite a missionary or Christian worker over for dinner
5. Pamper a friend with a celebration
6. Visit a shut-in or nursing home
7. Bake a batch of cookies or bread and share with others

Bible verses to remember

1. Hebrews 13:2
2. Proverbs 24:3-4
3. Romans 12:13
4. 1 Peter 4:9
5. Malachi 2:10
6. Galatians 5:14
7. Matthew 25:40
8. 1 Peter 1:22
9. Hebrews 13:16
10. Psalm 133:1
11. Matthew 25:35

"I learned early on that setting a table is so much more than just laying down knives and forks. It is creating a setting for food and conversation, setting a mood and an aura that lingers long after what was served and who said what is forgotten."
            Peri Wolfman