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? Regret can be tough, right?

Last Sunday, I learned a powerful lesson about Christian hospitality, missed opportunities, and how God can redeem even our regrets.

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Serving with a Smile: Hospitality in the Small Things

I serve as a church greeter (or usher, as some call it) at my local church. This means my job is to welcome everyone with a big smile. Our team leader always says we should smile so much that it’s like we’re brides on our wedding day!

It’s not just about smiling, 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 gently reminded her to relax her hands—and, of course, not to forget that sparkling smile.

As ushers, we’re also responsible for helping families, especially those with little ones, feel at home. We guide people to their seats and, at times, do so with a bit of firmness. Hospitality, after all, is both warmth and order.

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When Busyness Gets in the Way of Compassion

Last Sunday felt like any other. I greeted people with the biggest smile I could muster, and as everyone settled in, I felt terrific.

Halfway through the sermon, though, I had to focus on counting attendance—not my favourite part of the job.

While counting, I met a mom in the hallway who mentioned her son was sick and that they needed to head home. I quickly responded, “Oh no, that’s terrible! I’m so sorry,” and went right back to counting.

Even though I felt a nudge that I could have done more, I brushed it aside. I needed to finish my counts before the sermon ended. I even walked past her a couple more times without stopping.

I was so focused on my to-do list that I lost sight of the true goal of hospitality: making people feel seen, cared for, and at ease—during and beyond the church service.

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The Sting of a Missed Opportunity

Once I finished counting, regret hit hard.

I could have offered to help her get home—or at least walked her out and helped carry her things. Why didn’t I take a moment to check on her son or reassure him?

My thoughts raced, and I could barely focus on the sermon. I hurried to find her, but she had already left. I felt awful.

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Finding the Silver Lining with the Holy Spirit’s Help

In my frustration, I turned to the Holy Spirit for comfort. He reminded me that I could find a silver lining in this situation—that regret doesn’t have to end in shame but can lead to action.

Suddenly, I felt relief.

I managed to get the child’s name. After the service, I reached out to the children’s ministry leader to get the mom’s number. I sent her a message to check on her son, offer encouragement, and share a short prayer.

Her response? Surprise and genuine happiness.

God redeemed what I thought was a lost opportunity.

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Making the Most of Every Opportunity

We all have chances to show hospitality, and Scripture urges us not to waste them—even when we stumble at first.

“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
Ephesians 5:16–17 (NLT)

Sometimes we miss opportunities because we’re busy, distracted, or insecure. But instead of dwelling on what we didn’t do, we can still choose to act.

Forgot to wish someone a happy birthday? Meant to bring a meal to a new mom, but didn’t? Remember—it’s often better late than never.

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Inside-Out Hospitality Takeaway

Hospitality isn’t about perfection. It’s about sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and willingness to respond—even after the moment seems to have passed.

God can turn regret into redemption when we let Him work from the inside out.

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Inside-Out Question

Can you think of three people you may have missed the chance to show kindness to recently?
What’s one small step you can take this week to reach out?

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Here’s to hosting from the inside out. 🤍