I’ve spent some time reflecting this weekend on places I have had the great pleasure of visiting and different cultures I’ve encountered across the earth. Hands down, the things that I enjoyed most about those places is the hospitality that was warmly shown to me. From slow-paced sharing of meals and conversation at an outdoor table in a quaint Greek village to hot Arabic tea shared at each stop by Bedouin friends in Saudi Arabia, each of these experiences were made sweeter by the people who were willing to serve and show true hospitality. The unhurried sharing of meals have a way of bringing people together; have you ever noticed that in your own life? Americans have a lot to learn from other cultures! What if we slowed down and made time to connect? I think we’ll find ourselves totally, surprisingly refreshed by both being the one showing hospitality and certainly by being the recipient of such blessing.
Peter said what I’m feeling really well in his 1st letter:
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:7-11