Every Sunday after church, a family in Benin City had a tradition. Before anyone sat down to eat, the mother always placed an extra plate on the table. Her children never understood why. The family wasn't wealthy. Money was often tight. Yet the extra plate appeared every single week. One Sunday, the youngest child finally asked. "Mummy, who is the extra plate for?" She smiled. "For whoever might need it." The children looked confused. Then, as if on cue, there was a knock at the door. It was a neighbor. A student whose parents lived far away. He had come to greet the family. Without hesitation, the mother invited him inside. The extra plate was waiting. Years passed. The children grew up and left home. But they never forgot that lesson. Their mother wasn't teaching hospitality with speeches. She was teaching it with preparation. She expected opportunities to help people. And because she expected them, she was ready when they arrived. Many people say they want to make a difference. But few prepare for the chance. The mother understood something powerful: Generosity isn't just about what you give. It's about creating space for others in your life. Whether it's your table. Your time. Your knowledge. Or your opportunities. The people who impact the world most are often those who leave room for someone else. Who made room for you when you needed it most, and how did it change your life?
