Room at the Table...

I read the following story this morning, and wanted to share it, with an added thought or two of my own at the end...

At turkey time last year, Monique White was unemployed, living in a cramped motel room and pining for the Thanksgivings of her childhood, when dozens of people would gather for a holiday feast.

Today a receptionist at a dentist's office, she has a townhouse in Littleton, Colo. And, thanks to an Internet posting, a list of Thanksgiving dinner guests — strangers all — who will help her eat nine turkeys, four hams, 16 boxes of stuffing and a dozen or so pies.

How did this happen?

White, 36, was feeling a bit lonesome a week ago; her two sons were planning to spend the holiday with their father. And though her longtime partner, Doug White, would be there for her on Thanksgiving, she longed to be surrounded by many more people.

So she posted invitations on Craigslist, the Internet classifieds site. In part, one read:

"Maybe you are someone who is new in town and doesn't have anywhere to go. Maybe you are a small family that wouldn't be able to afford Thanksgiving dinner otherwise. Maybe you are just looking to change up your normal Thanksgiving tradition. ... We have room at our table this year."

She figured four folks, maybe five would answer. But then the replies poured in: People laid off from work. People with no family. People ashamed to bring their children to a Thanksgiving dinner at a soup kitchen.

"I thought: There's was no way I can judge who is worthy of sitting at my table. I have to invite them all," White says.

In all, 32 people are expected for dinner.

When White's boss heard what she was doing, he offered to pay for the food. Then a local hotel offered to provide tables and chairs. Then a professional magician said he would like to perform for the kids.

Certainly a far cry from Thanksgiving 2007, White says. "Last year it was just us two. It was horrible."

Doug White has been busy baking turkeys, putting one in the oven as soon as another comes out.

"People need to stop being so worried about me, me, me, my bills, my life," he says. "You stop worrying, and look what happens?"

(This story can be read in full here.)

A few weeks ago I had the gift of meeting a wonderful woman and new friend-- Kelly Monroe Kullberg-- founder of The Veritas Forum at Harvard and author of "Finding God Beyond Harvard." She is an amazing woman, a true friend, and a blessing to many (including me!)

The other day I visited a web site she contributes to called "The Well" and came across her answer to a question that was posed, "I understand we are called to be hospitable, and as the holidays approach, this seems to be a big deal -- cook good food, have your place looking great. I know this image of entertaining is not what we as Christians are called to, but what does hospitality look like for a grad student?

Kelly's answer really struck me:

I believe hospitality has to do with being a host — offering some kind of bread of life to hungry people. We can take the gift of hospitality with us into our classrooms and workspaces.

Hospitality is the gift of presence — greeting and welcoming colleagues each day with a smile that says, “I’m glad you’re here and that we are working together.” When some U.S. professors were leaving Mother Teresa’s home in Calcutta they asked if she had any words for them. She did. She suggested that they might smile at one another more. This begets a warmth in return, and there we have the beginnings of friendship.

You could also bring food with you or think ahead to have it delivered once in awhile to your department for conversation over lunch. You might suggest a film or book discussion during that time, or something less structured. Post a few signs on the wall. Let’s discuss, “What matters to you and why?”, with lunch provided. Or use a nearby coffee shop. At Ohio State IVCF staff often use the faculty club for conversations.

Abiding in Christ we become a branch that bears fruit for others to find shelter and food. They’ll know us by our love.

After reading this I immediately sent an e-mail to Kelly to tell her that the words she used "Hospitality has to do with being a host-- offering some kind of bread of life to a hungry people" gave me a new insight into the Eucharist. I've always heard it called the host, but never before made the profound connection with hospitality. Christ, the Perfect Host, calls us to the table where all are welcome and where He longs to offer the Bread of Life to hungry people.

"Eucharist" means Thanksgiving. Today I am thankful for the Host who invites us all to His table. He is both the Host and the Guest and whoever is around our table today is Christ in disguise. Let us cherish and ponder His presence among us...

A blessed Thanksgiving, a joyful Eucharist, to all of you~

with love,

nicole

(Images "The Lord's Supper" and "The Christ of the Breadlines" are by Fritz Eichenberg, who frequently contributed illustrations for Dorothy Day's newspaper, The Catholic Worker.")