One fascinating aspect of family dynamics is when every member shares a common trait(s), creating a sense of connection and one that continues to spread to the next generation. It's always noticeable when one observes a family and discovers that common trait, that is what makes the bond interesting, unique and connected.
This phenomenon (trait) can manifest in various ways such as a similar sense of humour, empathy, confidentiality, non-judgmental, conflict resolution or a peculiar quirk that has turned into a family signature.
One trait in my family is hospitality. This is a unique phenomenon that has become a signature. I grew up to recognise this trait and how it got to me to the extent that I care a lot about those around me and would go out of my way to help the person.
My late grandmother was a hospitable woman till her last breath and I was in awe at how she made it a habit till she left the world. She instilled in us a great habit that every member of my family embraced this unique personality and it is what everyone knows about us.
When she told us of her story, we were amazed at how many people she had brought up under her roof to take care of till they grew up and went their own ways. She would always remind us of how showing hospitality is rewarding and how it is something God is pleased with. This is more reason she taught us not to finish every food in the house because there might be an unexpected guest who could show up from anywhere and it would be good to have something with which to entertain them.
My family have a caring attitude that they would make sure everyone is okay before leaving. When there is a program in my hometown, my family is always ready to welcome every guest that would be attending the programme even if the event doesn't concern us. This is because they don't want them to waste money on hotels when they could be accepted in our homes. We have enough rooms in the house and we would be told to clean everywhere while we host them for the time being.
I used to be inconvenienced by this act until I started growing up to understand how important it is to treat everyone with love and be hospitable because we don't know where will be in the future and who will help us.
When I was living with my aunt, she practised this trait and still continues in it because of its heavenly reward. Many times when we might have prepared a meal just for the two of us, once a guest shows up unexpectedly, she would tell me to share the meal to go round. It used to pain me because the food was never enough for me but I learnt that it is best to share what we have with others and to do that with joy in our hearts.
There is nowhere we could go and not reap the reward because people would always talk about it everywhere. They say human beings are like water and where it flows to, no one knows. I have seen in various ways the reward of showing hospitality and it always got me surprised and afraid never to leave such a trait.
My grandmother would always say you are welcome anytime and she would always be happy having you around. When there was nothing to serve with, she would ensure we prepared something for everyone no matter who they were without discrimination.
This is why I welcome everyone both the ones I know and do not know because it is something I have been taught, watched how it has been practised and saw how beautiful doing that has been. So, I feel at peace and happy doing this to those who need it and when I receive any guest, I feel grateful to be in the position and to do the little I can to make sure such a guest doesn't leave empty handed even if it's just giving them water to drink.
This trait is something I want to continue with as it has been our signature right from childhood and has been part of us which I am willing to spread to my children and those coming after us.
The images were imagined with Meta AI
