Inside-Out Hospitality

Have you ever had one of those moments where you just can’t believe you missed a golden opportunity, and now you’re left wondering what you were thinking? You’re like, how did I not see that? Why didn’t I do something about it? Regrets can be tough, right? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me last Sunday.

I serve as a church greeter (or usher as some call it) at my local church. This means that my job is to welcome everyone with a big smile. Our team leader always says we should smile so much it’s like we’re brides on our wedding day! It’s not just about the smile, though; our body language must also be inviting. Once, I saw a team member holding her hands behind her back while greeting people. Our leader noticing that, gently reminded her to relax her hands and, of course, not to forget that sparkling smile!

As ushers, we also have a responsibility to help out families, especially those with little ones, and make sure they all feel at home. Of course, we also need to guide people to their seats, sometimes with a bit of firmness.

Last Sunday, like any other Sunday, I greeted people with the biggest smile I could muster, and as everyone settled in, I felt really good. However, halfway through the pastor’s sermon, I had to focus on counting attendance—not my favorite part of the job though!

While I was counting, I came across a mom in the hallway who mentioned her son was sick and they needed to head home. I quickly said, “Oh no, that’s terrible! I’m so sorry,” and went back to counting. Even though I had a nagging feeling I could have done more, I brushed it aside, thinking I needed to finish my counts before the sermon wrapped up. I even walked past her a couple more times but didn’t stop. I was so focused on my to-do list that I lost sight of the fact that the end goal of my job (one concerned with hospitality) is to make others feel at ease during (and even beyond) the church service.

Once I finished counting, that feeling of regret hit me even harder. I could have offered to help her get home, or at least walked her out and helped her carry her things. Why didn’t I take a moment to check on her son and reassure him? My mind was racing with these thoughts, and I just couldn’t focus on the sermon anymore. I hurried to find her, but she had already left. I felt awful.

In that moment of frustration, I turned to the Holy Spirit for comfort. He reminded me that I could find the silver lining in this situation and transform that regret into something positive. Suddenly, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I knew exactly what I could do to make up for that missed opportunity.

Luckily, I could get the child’s name. After the service, I reached out to the leader of the children’s ministry to get the mom’s number. I sent her a message to check in on her son, offer some encouragement, and share a little prayer with her. She responded with such surprise and happiness!

We all have opportunities to show hospitality, and the Bible encourages us to seize those opportunities. Sometimes, however, we let them slip away—probably because we’re too busy or caught up in our own insecurities. Instead of dwelling on those missed opportunities, let’s turn them into action!

16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:16-17, New Living Translation

Have you ever forgotten to wish someone a happy birthday or meant to bring a meal to a new mom but missed that window? No worries! Always remember, that it’s better late than never!

How about a little challenge? I’d love for you to make a short list of three people you think you missed the chance to show kindness to and do something nice for them this week.

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Until next time!