“I have never met anyone who was offended because I opened my door and invited him to come in". - author unknown
I can smell the turkey cooking in my kitchen. It must be getting close to being done, because my St. Bernard is parked in front of the oven in the hopes that some bit will magically drop into her mouth. She always does that on holidays. Only today is not a holiday. Actually, Thanksgiving was a few days ago. We spent it, as we usually do, with my husband’s family. We got to see folks whom we hadn’t seen for years. It was wonderful.
So why is there a turkey in the oven? Not only, because my husband loves turkey, but because our neighbors did not celebrate the holiday with the traditional fare. They ate Salisbury steak in the quiet of the little cabin they share. Their son lives in a state far away, too far to drive to, and their only daughter passed away a few years ago. A turkey dinner just seems like too much for them to conquer anymore; and besides they reason, it’s just the two of them.
In our culture, many people equate hospitality with hotels and commerce. It’s interesting that this age-old practice of opening one’s home to strangers, families and friends is no longer even considered when we talk about offering hospitality. Webster defines hospitality as “receiving or treating guests or strangers warmly and generously”…when, oh when, did this act become a business?
My husband and I were foster parents for many; many years…we received and nurtured over 50 children in our home. None of them came in feeling welcomed; all of them were frightened and worried. These little ones felt that they didn’t”belong” anywhere. Somehow our own children and family were able to offer them warmth and acceptance and each of them learned quickly that they were safe and welcomed.
Hospitality is a ministry of encouragement. My children learned that some people have “yes-faces” and some people have “no-faces.” Yes-faces are ones that offer true hospitality. It was toward the yes-faces that they gravitated and learned that these were approachable people who could offer friendship, advice and encouragement and yes, sometimes, even hope. These hospitable people weren’t afraid to open their hearts and homes to them. I'm so thankful for this! My children have developed wonderful yes-faces, and as a result are some of the most hospitable people I’ve ever met!
Hospitality begins in the home, yet in the rush of today's modern lifestyle; it’s often one of the last things on our list of priorities. Becoming hospitable refers to our reception and treatment of others. It does not mean that our houses are furnished with the best that money can buy, or even that it’s the cleanest of clean. It means that we are comfortable there, and there is room for another’s comfort as well. Tonight, we will cook a turkey for just a few. Not because we missed the holiday of Thanks-Giving, but because we want to continue giving thanks today, and maybe offer our friends a little encouragment.
This is you at a glance! It is the essence of your heart well captured. It is the warmth and welcome we have always felt when we've been with you. Reading it, I can smell your kitchen and it makes me miss you! There are never too many ways to give thanks!
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