Hospitality & Generosity.

I have had the opportunity to stay at various apartments and homes in the past month.  I asked friends if I could stay with them and let me impose on their lives in the midst of their busyness.  It has recently occurred to me that hospitality is an integral way to tangibly remind people of their worth and value.  As I have been on the receiving end of hospitality, I have to choose to let them serve me.  Accepting hospitality is an intentional act to not feel like a burden.  If I feel like a burden, then I'm actually not letting them serve me.  If I feel as though I am imposing or not worth their time, then I am actually choosing to reject kindness.

To those who have invited me into your homes this month, thank you.  Thank you for helping me understand God's tangible love for me better.  Thank you for your conversations, for breakfast and/or coffee, for a place to shower and sleep.  Thank you for being generous with your time and resources.  I had no idea what an impact it would make on my heart, but it has made quite an impression.  Thank you for reminding me that I am worth people's time.

If hospitality and generosity come naturally to you, please don't hold back.  Continue to bless people around you and continue to remind people of their worth and value.  On another note, don't forget to let people provide for you, too.  Self-sufficiency is too valued in this culture.  Learning to let others provide for you might just open your eyes to new and great things.