25 Aug, 2011
How's Your Hospitality?
Recently a friend of mine posted on Facebook: A waitress at (a) Restaurant waited on us. She had just come from her break. She said, ‘I just waited on a table and they were so ugly; nothing pleased them.’ Then she said, ‘The reason I quit working on Sundays is because those mean & nasty demanding Church people come in here; and I guess they give all their money to God because they sure don't tip!’ Luckily, she did say to us, ‘It was a pleasure to wait on you; ya'll are nice!’ Whew!”
When others are waiting on us, it’s easy to be demanding, expect perfection, and want prompt and complete service no matter the circumstance. I try hard to treat all service individuals with respect, manners, and how I want to be treated in the same situation.
I think it’s important that we go ‘above and beyond’ in our appreciation for those who serve others. Jesus was the ultimate example of what it means to serve. He served with a definite attitude! An attitude of love. Read what our verse today says about serving.
(Photo courtesy of barbeque4you.com)
God’s Story: 1 Peter 4:8-10 (NIV)
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
What does today’s God’s Story teach us?
It looks like we’re not to be so much expecting from others as we are to be serving others. When we love, we serve. We serve without grumbling. Without complaining. Without whining. Without hestitation. And we use whatever gifts God has given us to serve and to be a faithful steward (caretaker).
How can we connect today’s God’s Story to our lives?
We are currently on vacation in North Carolina visiting my husbands family. We went out to eat Monday night and had a great meal. Tuesday night we decided to go to the same restaurant because we really enjoyed the food. As we walked in, the waitress we had Monday night greeted us and said “Welcome back!” She even remembered our drink order. We felt so at home! It was amazing how she knew everything we wanted. She had the gift of hospitality.
But even if she didn’t remember my family or make us feel special, my responsibility to her, as a Christ follower, is to love her – and let her see Jesus in my life. Through my actions. My talk. My interaction with her and others. Even in my tip.
I’ve heard it said that the tip I leave reflects more on ME than it does on the wait staff. How are you serving those who serve you? Are you stingy with your appreciation? Do you say thank you, please, and show them monetarily how you are grateful?
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
Reread the verse from today.
How can you be an example of hospitality to those you come in contact with today?
Here’s some ideas:
• Pray for them
• Respect them
• Show your appreciation (through words, gestures, and affirmation)
• Let the light of Jesus reflect in your life – so they see Him and not you – as you serve them in love!
And don’t forget to tip your waitress or waiter!
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