Praxis #3 -Hospitality

I need to walk away from my food and cooking context for this assignment. I sat down today in the office and talked with our part-time secretary. She has been working with us for three years. I learned several things. She is part-time and does not receive benefits. She receives a Christmas gift but found out the amount. It was quite low. She has never taken a vacation in the three years that she has been with the church. She rarely takes off unless it a major holiday like Christmas and Thanksgiving. By sitting with her and listening, I believe I have practiced the practice of hospitality. It reminded me of a study that said that hospital chaplains are always remembered for spending a significant time with their patients when they sit down rather than stand. The chaplain is usually the only professional in the hospital that sits when they come into a room.

The conversation that we had wasn’t forced and it wasn’t directed in any way to quiz her. It was a natural discussion. I believe I offered her space to share and be heard and valued. I saw God in the conversation. I felt God saying that in my time together, to value and love this wonderful child of God. I saw her beauty. I saw her struggle as a single parent with two school-aged children. By sitting with her, I felt she knew I cared.