A Reflection on Hospitality and the Beauty of an Open Door
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” — Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)
“Have a home that’s a refuge for many.” That was one of the three goals I wrote down during a goaling exercise in grad school, only after a friend pushed me to reflect more deeply on the very appropriate but weak list I’d already come up with. It didn’t initially make the list because, at the time, it felt tied to the other two goals I reluctantly added to the list related to having a husband and a family. It felt like something that I was not capable of having or supporting by myself, and could only happen if supported by a spouse. I eventually came to realize that, in many ways, the apartment I shared with my two friends and roommates had already become just that. A home that was a refuge for many.
What I came to realize is that, while I was largely unaware of it, my apartment had become a home and a refuge for my roommates, my friends, and the many new friends and strangers we welcomed into it. My couch saw dozens of friends crash on it over the years, and my table frequently hosted friends and family for brunch, dinner, and cocktails. It wasn’t the idealized version I’d created in my head, but there it was right in front of me.
Six months ago, I had the opportunity to buy a home back in St. Louis after living in Chicago for ten years. A three-bedroom house with ample room for hosting and bedrooms for both a roommate and guests. Almost immediately (as in 20 hours after moving), I was already hosting my family and family friends for my father’s birthday. The house was already finding its purpose. Since that time, my collection of furniture has expanded, and my capacity to host and to welcome people has only grown.
Beyond the comfort of the physical space, I, along with my roommate, have been able to foster a space where people feel comfortable and immediately welcome to come as they are and exist in our home. We’ve been able to host regular gatherings of friends, as well as regularly host our local Revoice chapter for “Sabbath Sundays.” A time to just waste time together, whether eating, watching a movie, or sitting together around the fire pit discussing everything and nothing at the same time. It’s been a tremendous blessing to continue to develop and expand the kind of home I first started in Chicago, now even closer to the refuge I once thought was never possible.