What I love most about other cultures (outside of America) is the spirit of hospitality. I’ll admit, I haven’t (yet) encountered very many cultures outside of my own, but those that I have engaged with have always been very hospitable.
I have a very clear memory of a time in Tanzania when we were out with a group of teenagers, and someone suggested that we stop by their home and meet their family. As much as I wanted to do it, I wasn’t sure it was the best idea. In the culture I grew up in, you don’t just drop in unannounced. It’s even worth a profuse apology if you give only a couple hours notice before stopping by. But in this culture, in this instance, it was welcomed and encouraged. We were welcomed with open arms. “Come in, make yourself comfortable!” “Please, sit down!” “Here, would you like some water?” “Would you like a cup of chai?” “I’ll go get you something to eat!”
We had just had dinner together, but this family was eager to provide snacks and tea for everyone in the group. And so we sat and ate and talked. It was a blessing to spend this time with this family.
Today, I’m writing this from the home of a friend, after a day of ministry among immigrants. We we knocked on the door, it was opened wide and with joy. The woman welcomed us in. “Please, come in!” “Please, sit down! Make yourself comfortable!” “Would you like some chai?” Part way through the conversation, I had not drank any tea or eaten any of the sweets she had placed on the table before us. “Why isn’t she eating anything?” our host asked my friend. And so I ate (it was delicious!).
My experience today reminded me of that experience from a few years ago in Tanzania. It reminded me of the blessing that it is to be welcomed into a home in this way. It also got me thinking and reminded me of a sermon my pastor preached a couple years ago. He was talking about how gathering around a table is a great place for ministry to begin. There is something to be said for the connection that is made gathered around a table…or a cup of tea.
I love this display of hospitality that I’ve seen in these other cultures, and I strive to replicate it in my own life. If a person who does not believe in the name of Jesus can be so open and welcoming and recieve unexpected guests with such joy, why can’t a Christian do the same thing? There really is no excuse. My pastor is right: there is a special connection that is made while sharing a meal (or a cup of tea) together.
Some of the sweetest conversations and most memorable times for me are centered around food of some sort. I want to continue to build these relationships, to engage in this kind of hospitality. One day, when I have my own home – whether that is an apartment or a house, in America or overseas – I want to live in a way that replicates the kind of open, generous hospitality that I see in these other cultures. I want to share my home with whoever God brings my way. For now, I strive to think of creative ways to do that while I wait for the day when the Lord blesses me with a home to call my own.
If sharing a million cups of tea is what it will take to reach the world for the kingdom of God, then that is what I want to do.