This post follows two other posts on hospitality. The first one, Open Doors was a challenge to us all to open our doors in hospitality. The second, Open Hearts, followed with examples from scripture on how our heart’s should be open for opportunities to extend hospitality. Today, I want to consider the importance of including and teaching children in the act of hospitality.
Two of our family ways are, “we serve one another, humbly thinking of the needs of others first” and “we are generous with what we have, sharing freely with others.” One of the best ways to incorporate a heart for loving others through hospitality is by involving children in the process. I want to teach my children to be open-handed with what they have, to be concerned about others needs, to always be looking for ways to serve. Scripture teaches over and over that Christ Followers are to be humble, meek, and willing to share whatever they have. This is hard for even adults to grasp as it is for children who are naturally selfish in many ways. But teaching our children from an early age by not only biblical instruction on serving, but also by actively including them in acts of hospitality, can help instill in them this desire to be a blessing to others.
Practically, what does this look like?
1. My kids are part of the clean up crew before we have guests. They are responsible for cleaning off their fingerprints from the sliding glass doors. They help clean bathrooms, floors, and bedrooms. It’s part of our routine so they expect it.
2. When I am making a meal for someone who is sick or had a baby, I include them. I make sure they understand who we are helping and why. They always come with me to deliver the meal so they can see firsthand who is being blessed.
3. Since sharing is so hard for kids in general, keeping our doors continually open for visitors gives them many opportunities to share with other children. We also talk a lot about sharing what we have as a family with others and include them when we are lending or giving away an item.
Sometimes it is hard for them. “Why are we having company again?” “Why do I always have to share ____?” But it’s an ongoing dialogue in which they are learning that as Christians, we are called to have open doors and open hearts. Where our hearts and our homes are open to help others in need because what we have is not for our selfish use alone. And where children play an important role in blessing others with what they have been blessed.
“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” 2 Cor. 9:6-15
I love seeing them set the table and make special name plates for the seats. Just don’t let them clean the sliding doors to good! Never know who will run right into the glass!
I’m new to your blog- love it!
Kristina