What does hospitality look like? What does it mean for us to say that we offer Christian hospitality? Henri Nouwen wrote, “Hospitality is not to change people but to offer them space where change can take place.” This quote captured the imagination of the staff leaders at the Collins Retreat Center while I served as the director there. It reminded us that no matter how much we might want someone to be different, our primary work was really in creating the space where they could be who they were and to engage in whatever change they were seeking in their life. Our camps are also engaged in a similar effort. This summer we received a note from a Latgawa camper’s family it stated:
“The last question of the camper survey asks if campers would like to return to Latgawa next summer. The camper’s response was this: "Of course! Camp is where I'm 100% myself!"
My heart fills with joy each time I read the words of this child who understands that there is a place where he or she (and other campers) can express their authentic selves. I am filled with gratitude that our site staff work diligently to create such spaces so that the possibility exists for those who are at camp may experience the freedom to be who they are.
Hospitality is offered by many people and in many ways. As Christians involved in this ministry of hospitality, we see this as an expression of our discipleship. We are called to create places where those who yearn for God, nature, community, and one’s own soul have places where connection to these is possible. What makes this Christian hospitality is that we offer it in the name of Jesus, who reminded us that when we do it to the least of these we do it to him and we do it because we know the difference that such ministry makes. After all, we were touched by Christ’s spirit through such servants in our own lives and we have seen it happen in the lives of so many others.
I hope to hear your story of Christian hospitality at a camp or retreat center and the difference that it continues to make in your life.
See you around the campfire soon,
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