Walls aren't needed for hospitality

"My Lord," he said, "If it pleases you, stop here for a while. Rest in the shade of this tree while my servants get some water to wash your feet. Please stay awhile before continuing on your journey." (Genesis 18:3-5).

One evening I watched a television movie whose story revolved around Annie, an old woman living in the woods in a makeshift shanty -- a lean-to fashioned from old boards she had scrounged. All the neighbors knew her, as she sat outside in her rocking chair inviting others to join her. New neighbors moved nearby and in her usual friendly manner, she invited them to visit. "But you have nowhere to entertain," they said. I listened with admiration to her answer.

True, most of Annie's furniture sat outside under the trees around her dwelling because the open space was her usual place of abode, except at night. She cooked on an open fire.

One would think the strangers' comments would have dampened her spirits, but Annie, undaunted by their lack of understanding of life, smilingly answered. "You don't need walls to offer hospitality!"

I was awestruck by her perception because I, too, could learn from Annie's viewpoint.

I remembered how, as a child, I wouldn't invite certain friends over because their houses were nicer than mine. Our furniture was badly worn, and the yard often went unattended because we owned no lawn mower and my parents were usually too occupied working the farm to tend the yard. So, unlike Annie, I only invited those whose homes were similar to mine.

How many fail to offer hospitality because of various unconscious walls -- walls of economic status, skin color, beauty, academic achievement, or even the fear their invitation will be rejected?

Nowadays people are often so busy pursuing "whatever" they have no time to include friendships and visiting in their lives. They are too busy to balance worship, work and play.

"You don't need walls to offer hospitality." I contemplated the many times and places I could offer hospitality. I could stop being concerned that my house was untidy, or that what I served to eat on short notice would be inadequate. And I could meet others for lunch and visit while eating, or even converse at the mall. When people stop by my office I could use that opportunity to be hospitable by visiting briefly after business was finished.

Although I feel people use telephones excessively, telephones provide a way to keep in touch when all else fails. But they're a primary reason people spend less time visiting -- because phone conversations are more convenient. After a phone conversation there is often little left to say, so consequently people see little need to visit someone. It's a very real wall, an obstacle that prevents hospitality. I decided I would attempt to visit people more, rather than call them.

One can extend hospitality without walls by offering a seat to someone in the church pew by willingly moving over. People can converse and be amicable with peers at work, sharing pictures of family and relating news during breaks. Remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions are ways of extending hospitality and caring. Extending love to those suffering losses by taking food by and calling or visiting are gestures of hospitality.

Although Annie's situation was very different than mine, there are many ways I can extend hospitality, too, without walls.

Ellen Shuck is director of religious education at St. Mary's Cathedral Parish in Cape Girardeau.