There was a sign that hung in a little cottage that I rented in the North Carolina Mountains a couple of decades ago. It was a familiar verse from the scriptures that reads “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” It was displayed as a reminder to me that my visitors were special, and to them, that they were at home. The result was a change in the way that I not only treated, but felt about my guests. My cottage became a sort of refuge and sanctuary for some. People felt free to come. It was one of the significant and powerful times in my life. How did such a practice begin for me?
I had been a stranger to the area with no connections other than my work at a treatment center in town. I was recently divorced and sought a place to hide from my sadness and troubles. A group of the men who were coworkers gathered weekly to study Joseph Campbell, read poetry and do some drumming. They included me and I was more than happy to have the companionship despite some tentativeness about the content of their meetings. I soon began to look forward to getting together. On one occasion we watched an interview of Joseph Campbell by Bill Moyers. Campbell discussed the fact that, in ancient India, hospitality was a form of worship and that in ancient Greece it was a custom. My revelation from this was that hospitality is more than being a good host at a party. Not that being a good host should be minimized, but there was a far deeper concept to explore. I began to search for references to the practice and found abundant information. Henri Nouwen explored it beautifully in his book “Reaching Out”. Almost everything that I read pointed to the fact that hospitality is transformative.
I began to ask people to my home. It was my intention to arrange the house as if it was anticipating company. My table was always set as if there was a feast in waiting. A simmer pot of cinnamon sticks, cloves and nutmeg was usually on the stove. Specially selected music was playing softly in the background. The environment was inviting and welcoming. My underlying belief was, and is, that we are connected much more deeply that we can ever imagine. All of us are from the same source. Honoring the person who visits by listening, asking questions and being open to the answers are ways to acknowledge that sacredness in each other. Relationships and friendships form where they would have never taken root in other circumstances.
The result of entertaining angels unawares in the mountains of North Carolina was incredible. I was no longer a stranger in a very short time. I learned a life lesson that I continue to explore. We are not alone on this journey. We have only to extend and open ourselves to others. We are called in life to be the one who gives refuge and comfort, joy and friendship. Offering a physical, spiritual and emotional space in our lives for others is the essence of hospitality.
