It was said of Dolley Madison that when she was hosting people no matter who it was she welcomed them with open arms as if to say “Oh at last you’ve come!” And no matter how late they stayed they felt like she was saying “Oh do you have to leave so soon?”
I love that!
My friend Deborah is a modern day Dolley Madison who lives and breathes southern hospitality.
Right now John and I are staying in her guest cottage that is the most charming, welcoming place imaginable.
Heaping bowls of fruit, muffins, and cookies…a roasted chicken were waiting for us...
A note of welcome.
Books everywhere, Fluffy towels, soft chairs, warm blankets and a fireplace ready to burn brightly.
We may never leave.
If grace is “unmerited favor”, there should be a picture of this cottage in the dictionary next to the definition.
But this magical place got me to thinking about the many, other pictures of hospitality we’ve enjoyed from both friends and strangers as we’ve been traveling.
Someone has said that we all walk around with an invisible sign that says, “Do you love me?”
Hospitality says “yes.”
You are loved.
You are welcome here.
I want to help you.
Hospitality is grace with skin on.
Hospitality doesn’t have to be offered in a beautiful home.
One person I know who exudes hospitality is Bill, who directs traffic at our church.
In Tanzania or Target, on the bus or at a baseball game.
Hospitality may be
A random word of kindness
An open door.
A budge in line.
A hug.
I think hospitality feels like extending the kingdom wherever you are.
Where have you seen it? Where have you lived it?
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I have seen hospitality all over me. So many gracious people extending out a hand and helping me back to my feet and walking the road and the journey with Him. May He get all the glory and praise!
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