Good morning from Chennai, India. My team and I made it safely here and have been met with the greatest of hospitality.
This trip has had me thinking a lot about hospitality. The people of southern India take great pleasure in their hospitality. The value of relationship is priceless. We have been invited to share meals in several homes now and we leave each one feeling that our friendship has been cherished and treasured.
So the question becomes what are you doing to make others feel welcome? Throughout life we have the opportunity to turn strangers into friends. This happens in the school, the workplace, the church and the neighborhood.
Most of us have had the experience of being the “new kid on the block.” This may have been your first day of school or a new job in a new town. Those first few days come with some anxiety. Will there be anyone here who is like me? Will I be accepted into this group of people? Is this a safe place? These are all valid questions.
Most of us would agree the transition became easier once we made a new friend. It was that person who took the initiative and introduced themselves to us; or the person who invited us to sit with them; or that person who invited us to lunch. Their willingness to break the ice was the key to relieving our anxiety.
This week I encourage you to look around and take note of the new faces in your midst. Take the initiative to offer the hand of hospitality. Your act of kindness will make someone’s transition in life that much easier….and who knows you may end up with a new lifelong friend.
Until next Monday, or somewhere near, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
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