I stumbled upon a unique connection between hospitality and Hope while sitting through a particular training at work a few weeks ago. Unable at the time to fully grasp the discovery, I continued to ponder around the borders until it all made sense. One morning it clicked into place, hospitality looks like Hope when we willingly meet people right where they are.
Hospitality has nothing to do with having a home, but it has everything to do with having a heart for hurting people.
Working in hospice, when I received the required training invitation to a customer service educational event, I bristled. Viewing suffering individuals and families as “customers” or developing skills designed to engage their concerns as a customer service representative repulsed me.
Until about ten minutes into the presentation, when I sat mopping the tears flowing from my eyes.
Though the educator certainly ended up covering what most understand as customer service, she did so from the fresh perspective of honoring the individual’s pain; remembering we all have a story, and many times it contains hard realities.
What if our responses came from a place of compassion and understanding instead of from annoyance or an oversensitive attitude?
What if we cultivated a welcoming demeanor of hospitality in all our interactions, but especially with those who are marginalized?
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
Addressing the needs of hurting people is complicated because you not only have the concern, but you have the heavy emotions driving the concern. When we choose a welcoming attitude, we suddenly see how hospitality looks like Hope.
I prefer thinking about hospitality as an attitude of welcome, whether to my home, my life or even into the moments of my day.
The reality of hospitality as a vehicle of Hope became clear as I meditated on how Jesus met people. No one had more demands on His time than Jesus, yet He displayed a welcoming attitude to everyone He met.
Interruptions were the staple of his days as He travelled with His disciples completing the work of his Father while on earth.
Still, He never rushed, but each and every encounter overflowed with hospitality as He ministered Hope to every person.
At work, we often receive reminders to remain “approachable” to patients, families, and our colleagues. Jesus was so much more than approachable, He was “welcoming”.
Often encountering the culture’s outcasts and undesirables, though He had no home, He welcomed them to His table of plenty. Assuring each person they were seen, heard and valuable.
Relegating hospitality to the realm of entertaining within the walls of our home or churches, cheapens the glorious gift and leaves it languishing for the “proper time”.
Hospitality looks like Hope when we choose daily to welcome others into our moments with the generosity of a kind word, listening ear or genuine compassion. Behind vacant stares, harsh demeanors or sarcastic comments dwell real people, with real stories we know nothing about.
Treating people with dignity rather than prejudice or judgmental attitudes opens the door for Hope’s redeeming power, and maybe even an opportunity to be Jesus’ hands and feet to a hurting world.
Who would be shocked today if you showed this kind of hospitality?
I would love to hear what happens next.
If you enjoyed reading this post, there’s more! Sign up for my monthly newsletters; a little slice of serenity delivered right to your inbox! As my “Thank-you” you will receive my FREE “Hope in Hard Times Guide” for signing up!
Donna, I think “welcoming” is a much warmer word than “approachable.” It evokes a feeling of extending hospitality, rather than waiting for someone to come to us for it. What a gift!
Lois, I agree, I’ve noticed offering a welcoming attitude puts people at ease, which definitely cultivates hospitality!
“Hospitality has nothing to do with having a home, but it has everything to do with having a heart for hurting people.” Hospitality should not solely be for entertainment, but a means to offer comfort, acceptance, and love. Hospitality is the way we welcome people into our lives and can be offered various ways and places. Like Jesus, we can offer hospitality right where we meet people and offer hope.
Joanne, it totally upsets me when I see hospitality misunderstood as only having people over for dinner, or people exempting themselves from it altogether because they don’t have a fancy home. We not only have opportunity for hospitality daily, but we have a responsibility to share a welcoming attitude to others. What wonderful times to share God’s love to hurting people.
Moving hospitality from a mindset of entertainment to a heartfelt attitude of welcoming others is a game changer, Donna.
Lisa I know this to be true first hand!
“Jesus was so much more than approachable, He was “welcoming”.” I really like how you said that, Donna. Welcoming is kindness, and openness, and listening with our hearts. And inviting others to our table–in other words, into our spaces. I recently listened to interview speaking about how stress is behind the actions of difficult people. Maybe there is a way to ease their stress, even if it is just saying our words softly.
Lynn, I remember when all the trainings here at work emphasized our need to be approachable. But I have found learning to be welcoming is far more valuable. While it’s never easy, learning to welcome others into our “space” gives us opportunities to become the hands and feet of Jesus to our world. And yes, I think you are right, many difficult people are carrying a story we do not know, and a little hospitality on our part could go a long way.