A Perspective Change on Hospitality

A Perspective Change on Hospitality In the Bible we are encouraged to “practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13). But does the idea of inviting others into your home intimidate you a little? A lot?!

Have you ever told yourself that you just don’t have the “gift” for hospitality? Several years ago, when I was cohost of the television show Aspiring Women, I interviewed a man who struggled with cancer. When I asked if he was praying for a miracle, he replied quietly, “Sometimes the greatest miracle in our lives is just a perspective change.” I just loved that!

That’s exactly what I want to offer you here…a perspective change that can help make hospitality a little less intimidating and a little more fun. Specifically, I want to invite you to rethink this whole idea of hospitality and learn to view it from God’s perspective. I’d like you to wrap your mind and your heart—and then your working hands—around a kind of hospitality that’s totally lifegiving for guests and hosts alike.

Here are a few simple thoughts to help jump start that perspective change.

1. Embrace hospitality as a message you give people about their value. My friend Phyllis Stanley coined that phrase and I just love it. It is not about impressing people. It’s quite the opposite. It is about wrapping your guests with comfort and care. Giving someone a message about their value means letting them know you’ve prepared for them, that they’ve been on your mind and heart, that you truly want to serve them. It’s being other centered rather than self-centered. That attitude takes practice, but it is well worth the investment. Not only will your guests’ lives be enriched. I promise you—yours will be too.

2. Let go of perfection. Really. Perfectionism it’s such a common hospitality killer—it will paralyze you every time...(Any Amen's on this!??) If you struggle with everything being perfect before you begin…you never will. Perfection is bondage—it will hold you back.

3. Convince yourself that comparison is the enemy. If your friend is amazing at entertaining, her house looks like a layout of Home and Garden, everything she touches turns to fun and beauty, and people flock to her gatherings…celebrate! She’s your friend and you can learn from her—but you are not her. Isn't that a relief? To effectively practice real hospitality, you must embrace who you are and find your own style.

4. Commit to try. Sometimes you will succeed splendidly, and other times a heartfelt laugh will be needed. That's great! You have no idea how many of those “attempts” I have lived through. Remember you will gain confidence with each endeavor. Nothing is ever a failure if you learn from it. Learning too the laugh at yourself can be one of the greatest gifts you ever give anyone!

5. Most important, enjoy the ride. Promise yourself not to get so caught up in the business of living or even the details of hospitality that you miss the wonder of what is happening. In all your efforts at hospitality, remember why you are doing what you are doing. You’re making memories, touching lives, doing the business of the gospel. You’re living with a perspective change—cherish the miracle!

Tammy Maltby From Loving with Your Life: The Miracle of Hospitality with Anne Christian Buchanan