The 4037 Table: My Happy Place
||The 4037 Table: My Happy Place||
That is what I affectionately call my dining table. It sits empty today, but it is one of the most things I’m thankful for this year.
This time last year, I read something about the importance of practicing radical hospitality. I’ve always been someone who enjoys hosting and gathering people together so hospitality wasn’t a new concept to me but what I read lit a fire in me to do more. I decided that for the next 12 months, I was going to live an even more intentional life in regards to the pursuit and gathering of people.
In the past year, (and with the help of my roommate Joel for the time he was here) I have hosted 84 unique dinner parties and 2 somewhat larger events. 221 different people have had a meal at my house in the past year. People from very diverse backgrounds have gathered around this table. Some I’ve known for a while, some I’ve invited after meeting them on the street. Christians, atheists, agnostics, varied political beliefs, divorcee’s, foreigners, addicts, young folks, more mature folks, kids, pastors, janitors, corporate types, men, women, white, black, hispanic, LGBT, artists,they’ve all been here. People from 3 different continents and 8 different countries have sat here. 9 different languages have been spoken at this table. This table has been a host to so many different cultures.
This table has taught me something about people. Yes, we are all different, but we all have the same human desires. To be seen, to be known, to be loved. We all desire connection because we are relational beings. Tears of joy and sadness have been shed here. Laughter has echoed off these walls long after the meal is over and the candles have gone out. Advice has been given (and ignored) at this table. I’ve witnessed the most amazing breakthroughs at this table. I have seen people who have nothing in common leave this house as new friends. To every single person who has stepped inside my home and sat at this table, thank you. You’ve given me a gift I can never payback.
So as we gather with loved ones today, I ask you this, who’s at your table? Who are you making room for? How can you better see and know the people at your table? How can you love them better? And between now and next thanksgiving, I challenge you to practice the exercise of radical hospitality. Pursue different people, open up your home, and as my friend Tony Green says, “don’t forget to open up your heart”
Happy Thanksgiving , my friends!
