Notes on Hospitality 10/17/08 Friday Forum *Practicing Christian hospitality is not about glittering glamorous table settings, but about practicing servanthood right in the middle of your practical Christianity. *Hospitality is about loving others through Christ and making them feel special. *1 Peter 4:8-10 says “Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless-cheerfully. Be generous with the things God gave you.” What this verse tells me is to open my hands, heart, and door. When we open all of these, we are practicing Christian hospitality. *My take- Hospitality may not be your gift, but in some form, you can do it. It won’t be done perfectly the first few times. Don’t atop trying. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will get. *Don’t focus on what you don’t have, like a fancy dining room, more space, etc, great cooking skills, Focus on the blessings of God. People are not in your home for an unlimited entertaining budget. They sense your lovingkindness and generosity. This is what makes your home a sanctuary. My lessons I’ve learned: Do as much ahead of time as possible. Prepare foods that don’t have final steps right before serving. Keep a good attitude with your family, kids, including them in the preparations as much as possible. Don’t hard core clean till after the guests have left Don’t fall into the performance trap- People don’t care if your napkins don’t all match! Best tips from experience: simple fresh greenery, candles add such a nice touch Put people to work- Makes them comfortable Make extra ice ahead of time and bag it Again, do as much ahead of time as possible (Make sauces, brown nuts, desserts made, etc) The more relaxed you rare, guests will sense that you are really enjoying yourself and are not stressed. Don’t want to make them feel badly like they are an...