A Warm Southern Welcome
We have stayed in almost a dozen different homes since beginning our trip on November 1st. I’ve been overwhelmed in a good way by the gift of hospitality we have experienced. I don’t know why it has surprised me so much. Maybe because I just assumed that people would feel obligated to host us and were kind of “putting up with us” instead of enjoying it. Thankfully, quite the opposite has been the case. I’ve felt almost every person we’ve stayed with has been genuinely thrilled by our company. Not only that, they have gone to great lengths to make sure we have felt cared for.
Here are some examples that come to mind.
Colored Towels – One of our hosts called ahead and asked specific questions like whether we liked mushrooms and green peppers. This same host was so detailed in her questions that she even asked each of us to pick out the color of bath towel we liked best.
Spontaneous Invitations – On our first Sunday in Macon, GA we were staying at an airbnb and decided to visit a local church. We didn’t know anyone and were surprised when the couple sitting in front of us introduced themselves and asked for our phone number. Later that day, I got a text from them asking us over to their house for dessert. It was such a pure and genuine invitation and so unexpected. We ended up having a great conversation which led to my coming back to their house several times to teach them piano lessons.
Sacrificial Giving – At one house, our hosts gave up their own bedroom while we were there. That meant them sleeping in a smaller, less comfortable bed for 6 nights. I’m sure it was a big sacrifice for them, but they insisted we take the master bedroom while we were there. It really moved me. They also cooked special foods for us and went out of their way to plan activities and show us around their town.
These are just a few examples of the hospitality we have experienced. It has made such an impression on me that I am determined to make hosting others a regular part of what we do when we move back to Minnesota. If someone ever asks for a place to stay overnight, we will jump at the opportunity to host.
When you welcome someone into your days, it is one of the most generous gifts you can give.
How have you experienced hospitality from others?