Romans 12:9-13
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

For years, the word “hospitality” brought images of immaculate tablecloths, center pieces, matching china, perfect table manners, and delicious food.  Over the years I’ve come to realize that true hospitality is rather an attitude of honoring others.  I like the verses above because the heart issue is addressed before the command to be hospitable.  Even more encouraging to me is the word “practice”.  Being a good hostess takes practice.  While white linen tablecloths aren’t necessary, sometimes they’re nice.  That means that one has to be disciplined and organized ahead of time so that they can be ironed and put on the table correctly.  Delicious food takes preparation, forethought, and again, practice to get it right when company shows up.  The bottom line is that whatever we do for the people that come into our home, whether it’s fine china, or paper plates, our heart attitude should be one of honor, service, and love. 

Guess I’d better get practicing …

Joy