logbedr.jpgBe alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
Romans 12:12-13

Hospitality is an attitude of the heart, not just an empty bedroom, regardless of your circumstance (or in this case your profession)

If you’re like most people, you probably think practicing Christian hospitality is equivalent to what you’ve seen in entertainment books and magazines. And if you’re like me, you end up feeling depressed and inadequate because you don’t quite see your holiday efforts measuring up to the glossy pages you’ve been reading. Take heart: Practicing Christian hospitality isn’t about glittering, glamorous table settings or platters of picture-perfect food; it’s about practicing host(wo)manship right in the middle of your practical Christianity.

While not everyone feels comfortable at the helm of a social event, some folks have a natural talent for making guests feel special. You might think those hospitality genes are inherited, but just because your mom isn’t Martha Stewart, you’re not off the hook. That’s because hospitality takes on added dimensions and new definitions for the Christian.
Some folks possess hospitality as a spiritual gift. The Bible tells us that every believer is given at least one spiritual gift ;, our gifts are given not for our own benefit, but for the enrichment of others. We should be serving those around us, including the body of believers, family, and friends.

1 Peter 4:8-10 says, “Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless – cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you.”

While the art of hospitality may come easy for some, it may be quite difficult for others. After all, it’s not always easy to give of yourself, much less your hard-earned gains. And like most things in life, hospitality isn’t done perfectly the first time. But don’t stop trying. When we do it over and over, it truly becomes a comfortable part of our nature. Our first guests here at the inn (though they didnt know they were the first :) ) went through our “first breakfast” with us quite well. It’s all in perspective. It has evolved.

And while we’re in the innkeeping I’m not Martha Stewart and I dont play her on TV as they say. And while I’m a true “Type A” in terms of “cleanliness is next to G-dliness”, Hospitality has nothing to do with an immaculate house or even gourmet food. (though that’s always most welcome. It’s about opening the door wide loving them and pulling out the futon. As the Proverbs say: “Who practices hospitality entertains God himself”

People may not remember exactly what you did or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
- Maya Angelou

Do I hear an amen?