The definition of hospitable according the online Merriam Webster Dictionary is:
a : given to generous and cordial reception of guests
b : promising or suggesting generous and cordial welcome
c : offering a pleasant or sustaining environment
How do we teach our children to treat guests in a hospitable way? Quite simply it is by example. If a friend were to come knock on our door unannounced would a cordial, generous and pleasant environment great this friend? You may have toys on your floor and crumbs on your table but a heart full of love and generosity will be a pleasant environment to an unannounced guest. Hospitality has more to do with our heart attitude as linen napkins and cup of tea. If you do not entertain guests often you can express this pleasant environment to your husband walking in the door after a long day.
Ways to show hospitality:
*Offering the men who work on your roof, windows or lawn a cool drink or a snack.
*Keep your home orderly so you never feel hesitation inviting someone in for coffee or tea. Your home does not have to be perfect.
*Make a production out of welcoming your husband home for the evening.
Instruct your children to offer your guests or their guests a beverage or something to eat. Allow your child to serve your guests or their guests.
*Have a tea party! No need to make it formal or costly. Tea parties are a wonderful to reinforce etiquette and proper hostess skills.
*Be on the look out for times you can invite someone in your home or on your porch. A neighbor who lives alone or neighborhood children needing a safe and cordial place to play are good starters. In my neighborhood over the years we have seen a few neighbors go to the hospital.
To my shame once I was so unprepared to offer love right away because my house was a mess and I wasn’t even dressed for the day. By the time I was ready another lovely neighbor showed love and hospitality to the poor woman whose husband just went into the hospital. I could have been a testimony for Christ and to my children but it was missed opportunity because I did not have a hospitable attitude. Hospitality is an attitude and not the cleaning and prep work we do before company arrives. Let’s show our children open arms to God’s beloveds.
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