Open Your Heart and Your Home To Build Deeper Connections

Open Your Heart and Your Home To Build Deeper ConnectionsBECKY HARLING Lee en español “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9 (NIV) When I was a little girl, I spent a week each summer with my grandmother in New York City. I loved it! What I remember most about my time with my grandmother was that every afternoon, at 3 p.m. sharp, her friend Isabelle would come over. Together, they had coffee and coffee cake. Imagine! Friends together every afternoon, drinking coffee, eating cake and connecting. It’s God’s idea for us to live in community with others. He is a relational God who designed us in His image. We are created to connect both with God and others. We need friends with whom we can enjoy life. However, according to recent research, we are lonelier than ever. How do we rediscover the joy of deep connection in our digitalized world? One of the best ways I know is to offer hospitality. And here’s the thing: Your home doesn’t have to be perfect to welcome others. Honestly, this was a big lesson for me. Years ago, when my husband and I were living in the Middle East, the cultural expectation was to serve tea or coffee to anyone who showed up at our door. However, we had a toddler, so toys, books and other paraphernalia were often strewn across the floor. When someone knocked on my door, I felt the angst between answering or quickly cleaning up. But I slowly learned that my guests didn’t care about the mess. They wanted to feel welcomed. That’s what hospitality is all about. The Apostle Peter instructed the early Church to “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9). These believers met daily for prayer and shared meals. While “daily” might be unrealistic for us, the point is they spent time in each other’s homes. I believe we need to return to this practice of hospitality. If you feel intimidated, think of it as simply welcoming others. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried recently:  Instead of meeting at a coffee shop, invite a friend over for coffee or tea. Often you’ll be able to have more authentic conversations and focused prayer in the privacy of your home. Host a “Charcuterie and Conversation” evening for a few friends. Rather than spending hours on a gourmet dinner, you could put together a simple snack. Think of a few great questions to get the conversation started. Your friends can come and connect. Set up a grill, and invite your neighbors to a “Grill and Greet.” Jesus told us to love our neighbors, yet many of us have become so busy we don’t even know our neighbors. Friend, why not give one of these ideas a try? Welcome others into your home, and see if it doesn’t deepen your relationships. I’m betting your loneliness will be eased, and so will theirs. Lord God, Your Word teaches that we’re to offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Forgive me for the times when I’ve grumbled. Create within me a welcoming spirit so I’m able to foster deeper connections in our lonely world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.