If you have ever talked with Dana you have probably heard her speak about “the ancient art of hospitality.” That, somehow, when we open up our hearts and our lives and invite people in there is something special there. When we are generous with our time and treasure we become open to unexpected gifts.
When I was a volunteer at Family Promise I was blessed by practicing hospitality. I was able to get out of my self-centered, graduate student world and open my heart and mind up to grace and growth. Ben Harper describes it beautifully in his song Blessed to be a Blessing.
As a staff member at Family Promise I experienced this sacred act in very different way. I began to meet with graduates of the program at their own homes. Some of them were in Family Promise’s temporary housing program, others in homes they acquired on their own. In my visits I’ve been shown the most extraordinary hospitality. I’ve been greeted with big grins, warm rooms, snacks, wagging dogs, smiling babies, and overwhelming kindness. But, what’s stuck out to me most, after five years of working as a barista, is this little hutch that is in one of our temporary houses. On that hutch is a coffee maker. A few families have lived in this house, but every time I go over there someone has had coffee ready for me. What a blessing. Because of the strength of the relationships built in Family Promise everyone knows my affinity, nay need for coffee. The families that I visit are able to be blessed by being a blessing. I’ve been so blessed by this coffee, but I’m so much more overjoyed that our graduates are able to practice hospitality and receive the blessing that it provides.
Coffee with Shannon by Shannon Fisher
