Sacred Spaces
"Practice hospitality."
Romans 12:13 (NIV)
It wasn't hard to savor the season on Thursday as 29 family members and friends wound up celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday with us. There were plenty of reasons for which to be thankful:
a new friend from Italy joining us at the last minute
a nephew safely home from an extended deployment in the Middle East
A beautiful fall day which allowed us to set up food and drinks outside
Pink azaleas blooming in November
the peak of fall foliage with leaves the colors of lifesavers
the wonder of technology. We were able to Face Time with our youngest son Daniel in New York.
a thoughtful hostess gift which literally reminded me to "give thanks"
hugs and handshakes all around without any conversation about politics
Mama's silver punch bowl being put to good use
a sister who delivered and cared for Mama so I could be free to host
But our day wasn't without what our pastor often refers to as "God's hard providence," those seasons of suffering appointed by a sovereign God. Amidst all of the laughter, food, family, and fellowship, there were also tears as people processed recent losses:
a beloved aunt's recent cancer diagnosis
an extended cousin whose father died only 2 weeks ago
a mom's early dementia
a brother's serious health challenges as he faces two upcoming major surgeries
a friend's grief over the sudden, unexplained death of his 43 year old ex-wife
Later as Meredith and I reflected on the day, the word "bittersweet" came to best summarize this Thanksgiving. Throughout the afternoon, the words "Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15) came to my mind and heart. I found myself praying, "Lord, help!" as I tried to comfort and encourage those who were suffering. Sometimes the best comfort doesn't come from what we say. Sometimes what is really needed is a hug and "I'm so sorry. I love you."
Karen Mains writing in her classic hospitality book Open Heart, Open Home writes, "I have learned to measure the success of my efforts at hospitality against the measurement of this question; "Did something sacred over here in these rooms, around this table, in the moments of our meeting together?" And without a doubt, my answer to Mains' question is a resounding, "Yes!" Laughter, tears, sharing the hope of the Gospel, entering into another's suffering, rejoicing with those who rejoice, family photos, making memories, and all of the above.
Biblical hospitality seeks to use our homes as hospitals for a dying world. Biblical hospitality reaches out to those in need, meets people exactly where they are and makes them feel welcome, wanted and worth the trouble. This Christmas season as we strive to savor the season, may we also open our hearts and our homes, not just to our friends and family, but to the least, the last, and the lost. "Scripture teaches us that when we receive one another, we receive Christ." (Mains)
Practice hospitality...for our good and God's glory.
