THOUGHTS: SADLY HOSPITALITY IS A DYING ART

Hospitality is said by some to be a "lost art." Is this trait of kindness something we want to preserve? If so, how do we go about the task of preservation?

First, it is helpful to explore the past. Think of your childhood and lessons of hospitality routinely performed in your home. I remember always being told by my mother that I must first play the game that my playmate guests wanted to play. After their wishes were met, I could suggest what I wanted to play. This was "the polite thing to do." Today, my children try to explain to me the "unwritten rules" of play when their friends are in our home. The guests are to follow the wishes of my children and when my children visit their home they are to obey the wishes of their friends. I do not care for these "unwritten rules" of play and I can easily begin to understand why hospitality is becoming extinct. I constantly demand my children follow the rules of hospitality handed down to me. Enforcing these rules is a constant battle in today's world -- but a battle I feel is worthwhile.

Mark Evans, editor of the Jackson USA Signal, shared with me that in his home the television set was automatically turned off the minute a car pulled into his family's drive. Offering food and drink and being both attentive and receptive are other acts of hospitality.

And what is the definition of hospitable? Webster's defines the word as given to generous and cordial reception of guests. The focus of hospitality is on the guest and their needs.

So I ask you to accept the challenge of preserving hospitality. Share your goals and your enthusiasm with your friends, parents and your children's teachers. Be creative and in tune to your guests' needs. after all, there should be nothing better than Southeast Missouri hospitality.