Is it too late to add another New Year’s resolution?
One of my favorite ways to bring in the New Year is by cracking open a brand new planner filled with 365 blank dates – endless possibilities! As I did this not too long ago, a recent UpWords feature caught my attention.
“When you open your door to someone, you are sending this message: ‘You matter to me and to God.’”
Hearing these words, I thought to myself… hospitality, check! That’s one thing I don’t have to add to my checklist of New Year’s resolutions.
Or do I?
The more I pondered this, the more I began to second guess my initial reaction.
So often when I begin writing my resolutions I start with my weaknesses. I mean, rightfully so, but what if I started to embrace further utilizing gifts I already have?
What if one of my resolutions could be to further develop and utilize a God-given gift?
I mean who’s to say all resolutions have to be as painful as exercising and working on patience? (Although those are still on my list).
So here it is … a New Year’s resolutions I’m looking forward to developing! With the always encouraging words of Max Lucado, I found myself adding not only a new resolution to my list but also more opportunities to fill my planner.
I hope you and your listeners are as inspired as I was by Max’s few basic practices for implementing a hospitable lifestyle.
• Issue a genuine invitation. Let your guests know you want them to come.
• Make a big deal of their arrival. One of God’s children is coming to your house!
• Address the needs of your guests. Modern-day hospitality includes the sharing of food and drink along with time to talk and listen.
• Send them out with a blessing. Make it clear you are glad your guests came. Offer a prayer for their safety and a word of encouragement for their travel.
As always, we want to begin this New Year by thanking you for your continued partnership with this uplifting ministry.
