We’re in a Loneliness Epidemic. The world screams for connection and hides behind a screen. With the advent of social media and marketing, we’ve been led to believe the value of our hospitality lies in the impressive power of our homes and possessions. Don’t get me wrong, lovely things are nice, but the key to real hospitality begins with connection, not impression.
This focus of entertaining to create an impression is real work. Whether stemming from fear or perfectionism, it’s hard to sustain. As a result, our culture faces disconnect and loneliness because we have closed our homes to one another. “What if I’m not liked well enough?” We think. “What if my kitchen is not new enough?” And suddenly, it all seems so daunting. We can’t connect with others and perform at the same time.
The focus of hospitality, however, always begins in one place: My attitude. Offering hospitality is simply opening your heart to another. Making one more space at the table. Extending kindness to the stranger. In this space, the value of our hospitality lies in our willingness, eagerness even, to steward our resources as a blessing for our guests.
Here, the guest, not the impression, is the focus. What a relief to dismiss the demands of performance and nurture relationships with others while breaking bread at your table. Connecting with others is life-giving. Begin where you are. Share what you have. People over things.
