HospItality
Hospitality
Hospitality
The quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.
As a tourism professional, I understand how to show hospitality from a professional point of view. I made a career of it for many years. Beginning as a front desk agent at a 4-diamond hotel, I became a sales manager for a convention center after years of work in the industry. On a personal level, my definition of hospitality was broader.
Growing up, my mother hosted many dinner parties. She was my first example of showing hospitality. There was nothing missing from her dinner parties. She anticipated what details would make her guests feel special and the occasion festive. Good music, good food, fine stemware, delicate china, and good company were all components of a memorable event. She and my Dad have welcomed so many into their home and backyard with care to details. It was second nature for them.
My mother-in-law is another example of a woman showing hospitality. When visiting her home in South Carolina, I would witness the reason why her home was always busy. On a Sunday after church, it seemed like the entire neighborhood had stopped by to say hello, to hang out, to eat, or to get a carryout plate. I never saw anyone sent away. Everyone was welcomed to come in and relax.
Making someone feel welcomed and at ease in your home, community, or group is the core of hospitality. Hospitality and customer service are sometimes confused. With customer service, there is a response to an ask. With hospitality, there is no ask to initiate the response.
Moving to a new city in 2015 was a change I was willing to embrace. This fresh start was like a new chapter for me and our marriage.
In Columbus, I worked to create relationships, people to shop with, fellowship with over a meal, or just be. My husband and I looked forward to meeting couples to hang out with as well.
I purposely worked to form relationships within the congregation we served. Doing so gave the people a chance to get to know us and we them. For almost a month we were scheduled to meet with different committees and groups of the church, but on a less formal side, there were some we bonded with, who were able to see us as people, not as their pastor and his spouse. We were invited to football games, dinners, lunches, and concerts. The welcome was genuine, and it didn’t seem they were working at it.
On the other hand, we have experienced not receiving any invitations -- for dinner, coffee, chat, or a ride to the grocery store. Those times I felt lonely, but I also felt the importance of showing hospitality. I wondered have I been hospitable to new people in my midst?
With heightened awareness, I have made it a point to welcome new faces in any community of which I am a part. It may be a challenge, but it is a matter of just being aware of a new face and simply starting by saying, “hello” and smile.
Recently, two visitors came to experience a Zumba class at the studio I belong to. Although they came with a member, I intentionally introduced myself, got to know a little about them, and expressed happiness that they came. Halfway through the class, we laughed at each other as we worked through a challenging dance move to a salsa-choke groove. The class is truly a happy place. Both ladies left the class with smiles and looked forward to returning.
A greeting paired with a smile can go a long way. Saying, “Welcome to our church,” or “Welcome to the neighborhood,” can make the difference for a new person. Being in a new place is hard, I know. You or I can be the one that makes transition easy for the new face. You may reach out and not get a response or you may gain a friend. Either way, your offering of hospitality can make a difference and you may be entertaining one of God’s angels in your midst.
