I believe that one of the most precious parts of Thanksgiving is hospitality.

Conrad Hilton says that, “it has been and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.”

But what does that even mean?

“Hospitality means we take people into the space that is our lives and our minds and our hearts and our work and our efforts. Hospitality is the way we come out of ourselves. It is the first step towards dismantling the barriers of the world. ~ Joan Chittister

Our culture is fast-paced and our busy lives can leave us exhausted, starving for balance. We hunger and crave meaningful relationships that burst with unconditional love and acceptance.

The messages of the world say, in no uncertain terms: ruin yourself, starve yourself, push a little harder, burn yourself out. Ignore your hunger, your soul, your sickness, your longing.  Exhaustion and starvation are the twin virtues of that world – and I’m wondering if we can all, drop the pin and say that we are not going to live that way anymore?

This is countercultural. This is rebellious. And you know what… this is delicious!

This is the beat of my heart, and what I feel the celebration of Thanksgiving is all about: To experience grace and nourishment, and to offer it, one in each hand, to every person we meet- grace and nourishment.

When you come into my house, my life, or my thoughts…You can rest. You don’t have to starve. You don’t have to hustle or prove. I am thankful for you.

And there’s more…

I will practice hospitality- the offering of grace and nourishment to myself too.

Instead of being exhausted and small- I will choose to be joyful and content. I will practice hospitality to my very own body- speaking these words of life over it: you can rest, you can be nourished, you can be loved.

Here’s the heart of hospitality: when people leave your home they should feel better about themselves, not better about you. ~ Shauna Niequist

Hospitality is love in action. It’s the flesh and muscle on bones of love.

This Thanksgiving, may people leave your presence feeling better about themselves- not better about you. May you and your guests experience grace and nourishment.