I read recently that “Hospitality is life with no gates.” The author stated that “Hospitality means if there is room in the heart —there is always room in the house.” What a lovely thought. And a terrifying one if you are as poor a housekeeper as I.
I think the author is right. (And I’ve set about picking up the nuclear fallout that is my kitchen.) But what truly struck me was the concept of a “life with no gates.” No gates – no barriers, no protection, no separation, no other. That is hard. I LIKE gates. They make me feel safe. Gates deter bad guys and boors. They indicate my space, my boundaries, and provide a place to retreat from a chaotic world when I need to step away. None of these are bad things. They are healthy. But I can’t seem to get that image out of my head – that image of a life lived transparently, arms wide open and welcoming.
But that life is one that means I must be willing to allow you to see my weaknesses and failures, my bruises and scars. It means I can’t avoid controversy. No gates means not only that you get to come in and participate in my life at will; it also means you may leave whenever the whim strikes.
Don’t get me wrong. I understand that you can already see my weaknesses; they are not a secret. But maybe you don’t really understand quite how ugly they really are. Or maybe I won’t want you to have the freedom to leave once you’ve joined me.
Life with no gates sounds pretty doggone vulnerable to me. And isn’t hospitality one of those spiritual gifts that is given randomly to the ones God chooses? I’m very, very sure it is not my spiritual gift. Just to make sure, I Googled it. NO! It is not in the scripture lists…none of them. We are all called to hospitality. We are called to give and love and serve whenever the opportunity arises.
Ok. Life with no gates. What does that really look like? Do I divulge anything and everything to everyone who crosses my path? No. Jesus didn’t do that. Do I give everyone a voice in my decisions? No. Jesus listened to the Father, and had a very select inner circle. Do I entertain every philosophy and world view that people bring my way? Again, no. Scripture is very clear that Truth is sacred.
What it does look like, I think, is looking people in the eyes, crying with those who hurt, listening when it’s easier to speak, taking time when I’m busy. It’s about laughing loudly, hugging strongly, forgiving quickly and completely, finding the beautiful in others and proclaiming it-celebrating it, saying “because of Jesus, YOU matter to me” and truly meaning it.
This isn’t news to you, my friends, but it’s a timely reminder for me in my busy life to intentionally step out of my comfort zone and tangibly love, arms wide open and welcoming!
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