I wish, I wish, I wish…it felt like FALL. Today was a suffocating 114 degrees here on the Texas Gulf Coast. And, the humidity–well, I won’t even go there. Today I opened my “seasons book, ” Everyday Celebrations by Donata Maggipinto to remind myself that Fall was coming, as I read about serving pumpkin and squash soups and other fallish things to trigger “hospitality”, my word for 2023. It didn’t help, but what did was a light grilled chicken salad from a local restaurant.

As I ate, I finished the ultimate book on hospitality, Open Heart, Open Home: The Hospitable Way to Make Others Feel Welcome and Wanted.

This guide to hospitality was first published in 1976, then revised in 1997. Its tenants are still applicable today. The author reminded me that “There are seasons in a lifetime of hospitality,” and this year has been a season for hospitality both at my home and at my bookstore. Mains, a pastor’s wife kept her door open at times when the occasion was planned and food was in plenty and also when the cupboard was scant, but their large family was willing to share what simple fare they had with others.

A “definition” of hospitality in this book consists of phrases like the following:

“An open door. A table spread with food. The murmur of people engaged in conversation…a smile. An embrace at meeting…Acceptance into the group. Coffee brewing in the kitchen.Time for a long talk…to give away the above gifts of hospitality as long as I have breath…”

Not only is the book beautifully written, but it is heartfelt and instructive. Many anecdotes of the author’s family and congregations are offered as an example that opening your home and heart to others CAN work, and the results of doing so are very rewarding. This was the perfect book for my study.

RAE

Sunday, August 27, 2023