How hospitable are the spaces and the places you inhabit and the graces you offer? How do you perceive your role there…….to force out, to keep out, to reach out, or to invite in? How did you get there? Is it a Good Place that is growing and enhancing the kingdom of God?
“Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines. It is not to lead our neighbor into a corner where there are no alternatives left, but to open a wide spectrum of options for choice and commitment. It is not an educated intimidation with good books, good stories, and good works, but the liberation of fearful hearts so that words can find roots and bear ample fruit…
The paradox of hospitality is that it wants to create emptiness, not a fearful emptiness, but a friendly emptiness where strangers can enter and discover themselves as created free….not a subtle invitation to adopt the life style of the host, but the gift of a chance for the guest to find his own.”
-Henri Nouwen,
“Reaching Out”