Exceptional Hospitality
Cathy recently experienced exceptional hospitality. She attended a kids craft event and was deeply impressed by the quality with which she was cared for and the communal feeling of belonging it fostered. Chick’fil’a workers greeted her and the kids at the door, and even offered to help her carry some of the “baby stuff.” However, the hospitality didn’t end with a greeting, Cathy felt valued by the way staff members engaged our kids. They didn’t just hand over a craft bag, but they sat. They did the craft with your kids. The staff talked and listened well to all the children. Cathy left feeling loved, heard, and humanized. This reminds me of Ephesians 5, which we have been studying on Sunday mornings: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
One of the challenges I think we all face in our over-stimulated, over-distracted, and over-entertained world is to remain present in each and every moment. Instead of just passing the time during “boring” tasks like crafting with little kids, we can “make the best use of the time” by really engaging, talking, and listening to them well. This is an example of the wise way to walk that Ephesians 5 is teaching us. I am also reminded of Colossians 3: “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23).
So I guess my challenge this week is to NOT let Chick’fil’a one-up the BODY of Jesus! Let us all strive to show this type of hospitality to our co-workers and neighbors this week. Let’s be people that make someone else’s day by making the most of every moment and every opportunity God gives us to love others through our words and deeds. Because whatever we do, we do it for the Lord!
Steve Poole
Director of Youth & Young Adults
