Day 8: Making Community Hospitable

Hospitality wasn’t a word I grew up hearing a lot about. It wasn’t that my family didn’t host people – we did, and I believe well, given that they kept coming back. But hospitality seemed like such a Southern thing, all verandas and sweet tea, slow pace and relaxed afternoons. When I grew up, having people over meant kids running around, crockpots full of food, and loud and lively discussions from the grown-ups table. Hospitality didn’t quite encompass the chaos I remember.

As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that hospitality is just making spaces easy to inhabit for your guests. It doesn’t mean comfortable couches and an always-full wine glass, although it can. It doesn’t mean slow, peaceful teatimes, although it can. It doesn’t mean a beautifully set table and floral arrangements, although it can.

Hospitality is about putting the needs of other people first. Back before coronavirus, I might have said something about having toys available for visiting kids, or asking about food restrictions, or being willing to travel to see someone rather than host if that’s preferred. These days, it might mean something as seemingly novel as wearing a mask to make other people feel safe. It might mean figuring out how to use a new program to talk online or even waiting patiently to see people until they are ready to see you.

While you’re starting to build the kind of community you want to pursue, make sure you’re doing it with not just your own ideas in mind. Pay attention to what makes people comfortable. Ask questions about how to make things easier. It will be so appreciated.

How can you make your community more hospitable today?