Smile
God's gifts meant for us to share
Folks from my home congregation gathered on zoom to discuss the Spiritual Gift of Hospitality.
The gift of hospitality conjures images of laughing people gathered ‘round exquisitely set tables laden with bountiful meals, the host effortlessly guiding conversation so all feel welcome and included. Yes, some people are gifted such that they enjoy hosting in this way.
In contrast, most of us who enjoy welcoming and including others do it in far simpler and often subconscious ways.
We say “hi” to people, we call them by name, we listen to them and give them the sense we see them. We smile.
Nothing says welcome quite like a smile. Try it. Spend a day intentionally smiling at everyone you encounter. Do they smile back at you? Almost always.
What other of God’s creatures smile the way we do? Perhaps this gift of being able to smile is the greatest confirmation that we are meant to be welcoming of others.
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