Mistake or Message?

This message was written by a Women's Ministry leader and published in the newsletter sent to the churches in 2003.

I discovered a mistake in my Bible! When reading through that wonderful passage in Romans 12:9-21 from a Bible I keep at my desk at work, I was intrigued when I read verse 13 - "Share with God's people who are in need.  Practice hospitality. Practice hospitality."  No, you are not seeing double.  There it was in Scripture - repeating something I needed to understand, something I struggled with.  Having people over to our place means I have to have everything perfectly in place!

People will not remember what you looked like or what you served them, BUT  they will remember how you made them feel in your presence (Arlene Taylor).

I am trying to exercise the true art of hospitality and not expect so much of myself.  To keep things more simple and enjoy people's company.  About 5 years ago I took this seriously and wrote a small article entitled 'Dinner Party Panic'.  As the Christmas season approaches and guests arrive, take it easy on your self and keep life simple.


Be careful, they're listening...
My wife invited some people to dinner.  At the table she turned to our 5 year old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing/?"  I wouldn't know what to say, she replied.  Just say what you hear Mummy say, my wife said.  Our daughter bowed her head and said "Dear Lord why on earth did I invite all these people for dinner."