Would you give up your favorite spot on the couch for a guest? In our text this week, all of Yosef’s brothers return to Egypt to get more food, including the youngest and new favorite Binyamin. When Yosef sees them approaching, he tells his servant to invite them over for lunch. The servant gives the brothers water to wash their feet and feed for their donkeys. The brothers lay out their gifts and present them to Yosef bowing low to the ground. We inferred the importance of expressing hospitality and gratitude between hosts and guests. But in modern day Philadelphia we don’t often arrive at our friends’ houses with hungry donkeys. So what do we do instead? Here’s what your compassionate kiddos had to say.
When you invite a guest over, what do you do to make sure they feel welcomed and comfy?
- I let the guest choose what movie to watch or what snack to eat.
- I give them the most comfy chair to sit in.
- I would watch TV that I love to share that with them.
- I would try to open up and make a connection.
- I say “hi!” in an excited way.
- I would give them a good blanket to get cozy with.
- I would take their coats when they come in.
- I would put a Welcome sign that says “Thank you for coming!” on the front of my door.
When you are a guest in someone else’s house, what do you do to show gratitude for their hospitality?
- I let the host make some choices about what we’re doing.
- I would try to connect with them and talk.
- I would great them warmly, with hugs!
- I would bake them something or bring them a gift.
- I give them a hugs and kisses!
- I make a picture and a card for them.
- I would say, “Thank you so much.”