Reflection Moment
Hospitality

Tonight we are making tea trays. As you create your masterpieces, I hope you will begin thinking of someone you could serve with your tray. Christmas is one of the best times to be hospitable to others. You may not think of yourself having the gift of hospitality but did you know that we all are supposed to minister to others through hospitality? The Bible says in Romans 12:13 that we are to be Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 1 Peter 4:9 also says that we are to Use hospitality one to another without grudging. Furthermore Hebrews 13:2 says for us to Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. In Mark 10:45 speaking of Jesus Christ himself For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Jesus came to earth to serve others. There are many more verses in the Bible on hospitality and several stores of people who opened their hearts and homes to others but I think you get the idea. There are the women who thrive on being hospitable. They love entertaining guests and always seem to have their home squeaky-clean and inviting. Then there are those women who just cringe at the thought of having guests over. They live in a state of chaos. Do you know what chaos stands for? Can’t Have Anyone Over Soon!! Now I’m not suggesting that you have to become the next gal on Better Homes and Gardens but I do believe that we all need to learn a few ways to become more hospitable to others.

1. Your home doesn’t have to be perfectly clean or spotless to be inviting. Guests are more welcomed by a home that does look lived in but neat and tidy. Example of a too-sterile home. I have been in homes where I felt very uncomfortable because the place was just so sterile. You were afraid to sit anywhere or touch anything. Then of course I’ve been in the opposite too where I was afraid to sit down for fear of sitting on some week-old food or possible vermin!!!

2. Your attitude can be just as inviting or un-inviting as anything in your home. Ladies, we are the thermostats in our home. If we’re hot and bothered, then before long everyone in our home will be the same way. We need to have a pleasant and cheerful attitude for our family and our guests.

3. It’s the little things that count (candles, smell of food cooking, fresh fruit in a dish, a glass of water by the bedside, fresh flowers, pictures of family, cotton throws, books or toys for kids). What makes home feel like home to you?

4. Think of what you like when you walk into a nice hotel. It’s always clean and tidy. And, there are those little extras, the chocolates on the pillow, soaps and lotions, maybe even a terry cloth robe in some places!

5. Remember that your family is your number one priority. Don’t just do the nice things for your guests and then treat your family like dirt. Bring out the nice silverware and dishes for your own family every once in a while. Fluff their pillows. Put their towel in the dryer before they get out of the shower. See what a difference it will make in your family when you do these little things.

6. Do something out of the ordinary. Serve your family and guests breakfast in bed. Have dessert first one night for dinner. You kids will never forget this!!

7. Read up on hospitality. I love entertaining and have a great collection of books to help you get started. Feel free to borrow them. You family and guests will thank you!

Hopefully, by the end of the evening you will have a beautiful decoupage Christmas tea tray. Make it a goal to come up with a creative way to use it this holiday season. Maybe serve your husband breakfast in bed. Or maybe leave it on the bed for your guests when they arrive with some nice treats for them on it. Serve tea for your guests when you are entertaining. The possibilities are endless. Just remember that there is joy in serving others. Our Lord set the ultimate example for us. When you show love to others you are sharing the love of God!! Happy Holidays!!

Valerie Keefe