Reflection on Hospitality

Many years ago I was having chicken rice at a hawker centre.  I paused from eating and a man came over to my table.  He thought that I had completed my meal and asked if he could have the rest of my rice and chicken.  My plate was messy and I was not used to giving food that I had eaten to others.   I told him I would get him a meal.  I remembered someone taught me about giving my best gift to someone as though I’m the receiver. As a receiver, we always wanted to receive the best gift.  I think the best part of a chicken is drum stick so I bought for the stranger.  It did not cost me much.  But I had this satisfying and happy feeling that I had helped someone in need. 

 

Make Room in our Hearts

I am now distracted and occupied by the busyness and demand of live that I missed seeing the needy one.  I learnt that showing hospitality is reciprocate of God’s love to us.  It is a way of life we need to live out.  It’s a duty we need to do.  Hospitality can be cultivated over a life-time if we make room in our heart.  Hearts can be enlarged by praying that God will give us eyes to see the opportunities around us, and by putting ourselves in places where we are likely to encounter strangers in need of welcome.  We are not excused from showing hospitality with our limited resources or space to host a stranger.  I pray that my heart will be open to people to connect and share whatever I could provide.  Be it a prayer, a warm smile or comfort to the discouraged one. 

 

Shared Meal

I enjoy eating alone during work.  I have the flexibility to lunch at any time so this give me an excuse to eat alone as I usually avoid lunch crowd.  I also struggle with the idea that my colleague will find me bore as a quiet companion.  I have to think of possible conversation during meal as I think it is rude to be silent when sharing a meal.  I have the freedom to make choices as where to eat and what to eat.  I am now convicted that I should not eat alone too often. I should have shared meal with others for eating is for sanity to promote physical, social and emotion healthy.  When I eat with someone, it will reduce social isolation and improve physical mental health. 

 

Present in Body But Absent In Spirit

I stay with my parents and though we stay under the same roof, I think I have often neglected their basic need - to engage in a conversation or meal with undivided attention. When I dine with them, I am always occupied and preoccupied with something or playing with my hand phone.  I have no room for them.   I am present physically in body but absent in spirit.   I am sure they feel insignificant.  Sometime when they talked to me, I really don’t know what they are saying.   Through this lesson, I am convinced that I should make space for them.  Last week, I had lunch with my mum.  I deliberately left my hand phone at home.  It was a good meal as I talked and responded to my mum.  I also noticed new changes in the food court which I have missed out. 

 Making a habit of hospitality must be deliberate and intentionally.  It brings a life rich with opportunities to grow and develop.  It gives us a sense of satisfaction and purpose.  When we exercise hospitality as commanded by God, we expand our abilities and deepen our wisdom.  I am convicted to deliberately express hospitality in Christian community and to other group of people.