Practicing Hospitality

“It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.”

— Conrad Hilton

It's a beautiful weekend full of grace of God. I woke up as early as possible and quickened my personal devotion because my siblings were going to the farm to get some firewood and this means I will be the only one to prepare everything and make sure Grandma takes her bath and eats her breakfast. It took me 2 hours to get everything done for her and others. I had to do the chores that was meant for three people to do, but I decided to help since they have gone to the farm. Sincerely, the work wasn't easy and I really commend my siblings for that. 

After that, I quickly replied to all comments on my last post about friendships and I sincerely appreciate everyone's contribution. It makes me happy seeing people coming to my posts to leave something meaningful and not making it look like I am just blabbing. You all said wonderfully. 

So, we talked about how to nurture friendships, I mean the true ones because not all people are meant to be called friends because of their evil intentions towards us. We just need to be careful in selecting them and also to cherish the true and real ones. You can click this link to go through it if you haven ́t. 

Today, we shall be talking about the second best thing in life that is free and it is “Practicing Hospitality”. 

According to Wikipedia, 

Hospitality is the relationship between a guest and a host, wherein the host receives the guest with some amount of goodwill, including the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.

Friendship and hospitality go hand in hand. Many people, I would say do not know how to show hospitality because they think hospitality means showing off their beautiful houses, designs, cars, and their fancy cooking skills.  We become so concerned with impressing our guests with what we have achieved when we bring them to our houses that we forget to make them feel welcome in the house. Some people also think they do not need to entertain because of how unkempt or bad their home is, but let me tell you this: Hospitality isn't about showing off your new designers or lovely houses or the food you serve. No, it has nothing to do with those, but it is about inviting people into our imperfect hearts. 

Something we need to understand is that our guests do not need those things or having an elaborate party or event, but to feel at home, to feel welcome, to feel that they are wanted and also that they belong also. No amount of money in the world can buy such hospitality because it comes from our hearts and not the store of everything. 

True hospitality is about sitting down with your guest and asking about their day, their welfare, looking them in the eye and letting them know that we are glad they are here, this should be done by our actions and words. Let them feel it that they aren't just welcome without doing anything, but let them be happy and see that you really care. 

Hospitality is letting our guests know that our home is not an inconvenience or a burden, but an happiness and Joy. It is by giving them our full attention and attending to their needs. 

“True hospitality is not about us, but our guests”.

If you think that showing hospitality is hard or feels overwhelmed for you, here are some tips to help you;

Anticipate their needs: Do you know how it feels when you already assume your guest would need something before they arrive at your place? It is just like getting food, coffee or anything else ready. It is like knowing they would have been so tired and thirsty after the long drive and getting these ready will make you put your guest in a comfortable place and put them first because they have come for you and no one else. 

Plan ahead: Let me tell you this, that the best way to avoid running around the house when your guest is sitting, or making them feel like a burden is when you have planned everything before they show up. It will feel awkward to start picking up a broom to sweep the dirt in the sitting room when your guest is around, or searching for something in their presence. It makes them feel uncomfortable. Planning ahead can make the difference when hosting a guest in your home. 

Make conversation: I learnt this from my family that when a guest arrives in your home, you can bring out the photo album and let them get busy and happy seeing those happy moments or create a conversation first and not make it boring without anyone initiating the chat. You invited them over, so it is your responsibility to start something to talk about. The quickest and best way to get someone talking and keep the conversation rolling and going is to ask them questions about themselves. Be attentive and listen to what they are saying and look into their eyes to let them know you care about what they are saying. 

Smile: Do you want to make your guest feel unwanted? Then put up a frowning face or be aggressive, you will only send them out and never return again. A simple smile can go a long way to make people feel at ease. If you look so stressed or bored, your guest will think they are an intrusion into your house. 

Avoid awkward moments: One thing you must not do is telling your guest to pick side in a disagreement between you and a friend or partner. It feels awkward and can turn into something else. Do not bring up issues that are meant to be secret out for your guest to contribute because to them, they would feel sad and think otherwise. 

I hope you enjoyed another series today? Come back tomorrow for the last series as we celebrate Easter. I wish us a fantastic celebration.

Thanks for reading.

Image by Taylor on Unsplash

[April 16, 2022] (No 106 article for the year)