This post was originally published on August 4, 2020.
~~~
I’ve been wanting to do a post on hospitality pretty much all year. It’s a concept that I think goes deeper than what you’d think on the surface of things. I also think it’s a concept that can be taken to lots of different places and levels.
Dipping my toe in just the teensiest little bit into this much larger idea, though, I’m going to start with something small and simple but has the ability to pack a huge and impactful punch.
Sharing a cup of tea.
A friend recently invited me over to her place for some tea and conversation. And this simple act of hospitality was so special. For both of us.
Isn’t it amazing how extending an invitation to share in food or drink has the ability to bless both the giver and the recipient?
I’m not really sure how that return on investment works out, exactly, but I’m grateful it does.
Having hospitality extended to me, with the intention of blessing, inspires me to consider how I can continue to do so for others. And not just do so but do it really well.
Sure, I can have the nice serving pieces, and the charming dishes and flatware perfect for the occasion. I can use my fancy stemware. All of these things make for a special, and maybe even glamorous, atmosphere. But, let’s face it, that’s kind of the easy part.
You know I’m not knocking these things, either, because I enjoy creating a lovely atmosphere for my guests. And, I mean, I collect these things in order for them to be used in situations where people come over. HomeGoods is my mecca.
I guess what I’m trying to get to is that hospitality can encompass the creation of a beautiful space. But more than that, hospitality nourishes more than just the body.
Hospitality begins with an invitation to feed the body but ends up nourishing the soul.
And that’s what we all need these days.
We need soul nourishment more than we need pristine homes or fancy food served on fine china.
“A cup of tea and a heartfelt conversation is what we all need right now.”
It’s so simple and really kind of basic but so, so true!
And so, as I continue to mull over the larger concept of hospitality and also continue to utilize my entertaining serving pieces, I’ll be more intentional about seeking out those heartfelt moments. My invitations will consist of nourishing the souls of my friends and family who come over to share my home. My hope is to meet a very practical need of feeding the body but end up enriching souls.
How about you, friends? Are you inspired to practice soul nourishing hospitality? Are you already doing it and what are your secrets?
