Room At The Table

I grew up moving a lot. Nothing freaked me out more than the first day of a new school. I would have to walk into the cafeteria...without friends. I didn't have trouble making friends once I got settled in, but the first fews days of trying to figure out where to sit in the cafeteria was always a nauseating experience. It gives me a unique perspective when I ask myself an important question in regards to how we manage our social relationships:

How do we make room for people?

Some work hard to protect their circle. Some aren't interested in a new perspective from a new person. Some do not want to share. Some simply discriminate by hiding behind the social norms of their tribe. For a lot of reasons...lots of people get left out. Hospitality is not easy for everyone because it has the potential to threaten current culture.

Jesus lived his life extending hospitality and love towards those on the fringes of society. He did have his 12 disciples and even an inner circle...yet, no one felt excluded. Jesus only excluded the Pharisees when their behavior blocked out the people he came to include...people who recognized their deep need for him in their life.

"And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him." - Mark 2:15

Following Jesus forces us to grapple with the way we interact with people. Where can we intentionally include people in our activities? How can our team make the newest member feel welcome? How can our small group be more hospitable? In what ways can the break room at the office help people feel included? Is our cul-de-sac or neighborhood friendly toward outsiders and guests?

My wife's mom, Jan, was a woman known for her hospitality. She was "just Jan" to everyone who knew her...and to those who didn't. It shows up in the way my wife opens her life to people, too. She speaks to a homeless person the same way she would speak to a rich or famous person. No pretense.

"Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." - Hebrews 3:1-2

I encourage to make room at your table. You might end up being surprised by who shows up. It will not only make a difference in their life, but it will make a difference in yours, too.