The idea of hospitality can be an overwhelming concept for some, myself included. We often picture a perfectly clean and styled home, beautifully prepared food and an outgoing and gracious host who is prepared for every possible need of their guests, whether two or twenty.

 

As a self proclaimed introvert, that’s a standard I could never meet. I prefer one on one conversation over a cup of coffee or tea, each of us in our favorite pair of worn comfy pants, second day hair, and a puppy on my lap. We share our sensitive hearts with each other as I pull out mismatched coffee mugs and my tea box and we feast on tears and giggles.

 

Either of those scenarios may feel more relatable to you when it comes to the idea of hospitality, but here’s the good news:

 

Both are good ways of being hospitable.

 

One definition of hospitality that I love is “welcoming someone into your home in a thoughtful way.”

 

I’ll give you two examples.

 

Some dear friends of ours run a sweet little cabin called Fox Hill. Their heart is for ministry families to have a place where they can rest, heal and be loved on. My own family has stayed there a few times now and each visit this incredible family makes our stay even more like home. Kyle, Tarah and their five kiddos take the time to find out what each guest enjoys, snacks on, reads, needs to feel seen and uses their call as a family to create a space that allows one to fully exhale. They also provide time, if the guests are interested, to snack on some delicious homemade cookies, freshly brewed coffee and chat with them in a snug little den. We have only known them a short time and yet they already feel like kindred spirits. Their gift of hospitality is not only offering hope to those who need it most, but it is being passed down to their incredible children.

 

We also have another couple of friends who show hospitality better than most anyone. Our dearest friends, Bill and Mary, have devoted their lives to serving others through youth ministry at their church, as well as loving anyone and everyone who comes through their door. They somehow always have our favorite drinks on hand, a pint of tomatoes for our daughter, and a perfectly cozy spot in which to rest. One of our mutual friends once said that they were the type of house where you feel comfortable taking your shoes off. They have been known for late night board games, evening sports events, heart to hearts, and on the spot prayers. They too have been instilled with the gift of hospitality. It pours out of their every action, in the way they set up their home and how they live their lives with open hands.

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The idea of hospitality should not put any of us off. It is not meant to look one way. Our ever creative God knows that each one of us can offer a warm, safe place for others to land through the very specific way we are created. Whether a well planned 12 course meal or a shared bag of popcorn on the couch, knowing that we can create a space where others can feel loved and heard is the heart of the gospel. Let’s create homes where others can feel the love of Christ in the way that we welcome them in. 

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