As we move into the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, I am deeply reflecting on the need for more open hospitality in American life. We have become insulated in our nuclear household, closed off to others.
In a world that often feels fast-paced, divided, and self-centered, there’s something powerfully countercultural about choosing to open our lives and homes to others. Extending my table is a phrase that resonates with the idea of making space—not only at the physical table but also in our hearts and in our routines—for those around us, whether they’re friends, family, or strangers. Practicing hospitality and charity whenever possible isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about creating an everyday life that overflows with love. Here’s a closer look at what it means to extend our tables and how we can make hospitality a natural part of our lives.
Why Hospitality Matters
Hospitality has roots that run deep in every culture and throughout history. For centuries, opening one’s home to a guest was considered both an honor and a duty. You’ll find evidence of this in ancient texts like the Torah or New Testament and in more secular works of Greek philosophers. Hospitality was a way to show respect, provide comfort, and build relationships. At its core, hospitality is about creating an environment where others feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. It’s about seeing people for who they are and saying, “There’s a place for you here.”
When we practice hospitality, we remind ourselves that life is meant to be shared. Whether it’s a simple dinner with neighbors, a tea break with coworkers, or inviting a lonely friend over for a movie night, hospitality allows us to create moments of connection that ground us and bring joy. These simple acts are what bind communities and families together, creating bonds that can last a lifetime.
The Heart of Charity: Giving with Intention
Charity takes hospitality a step further. It’s about caring for others’ needs, not just in the moments we share a meal but also in how we give of our time, resources, and attention. Charity reminds us that, beyond the comforts of our homes, there are people who may need more than we can imagine: those struggling with loneliness, financial hardship, or life’s burdens.
Being charitable doesn’t require wealth or boundless free time. Charity is about compassion and empathy, offering what we have to alleviate someone else’s burden. It might be sharing a meal with someone experiencing food insecurity, volunteering time to listen to someone’s struggles, or donating to a cause close to our hearts. Charity means practicing kindness as a lifestyle, knowing that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact.
Practical Ways to Extend Your Table
Extending your table is both a metaphor and a practice. Here are a few ways to weave hospitality and charity into your everyday life:
1. Make Your Home a Welcoming Space
You don’t need to have a Pinterest-perfect home to make people feel at ease. The warmth of a welcoming smile and a cozy atmosphere goes a long way. Keep things simple—sometimes, just a cup of tea and a quiet place to chat is all that’s needed. Let your home be a place where people can find peace, joy, and a sense of belonging.
2. Practice “Table Time” with Loved Ones
Setting aside time for meals with family, friends, or neighbors is a powerful way to connect. It could be a weekly family dinner, a Sunday brunch with friends, or a quick coffee meet-up. The aim is to intentionally share a moment where everyone feels valued and heard.
3. Look for Small Acts of Kindness
Sometimes, charity is as simple as picking up an extra item at the store for a neighbor or offering to watch a friend’s child so they can have a break. Look for opportunities to help, no matter how small. These little gestures often mean more than we realize.
4. Make Giving a Regular Habit
Charity is a habit many must work to develop. Practicing charity regularly doesn’t have to be a huge financial commitment. Small, consistent acts of giving are incredibly impactful. Support local food banks, donate to charities, or contribute to a friend’s fundraiser. Over time, these regular acts of charity create a ripple effect that can benefit entire communities.
Why Extending Your Table Is a Gift to Yourself, Too
Extending your table may sound like a lot of giving, but the beauty of it is that it enriches our own lives as much as it does others’. Hospitality and charity foster joy, deepen our connections, and give us a sense of purpose. When we open our hearts and homes, we’re reminded of the abundance in our lives and the common humanity we all share. We learn to see people not as strangers but as members of our extended family, people deserving of kindness and love.
In a world that often promotes individualism, choosing to extend our tables brings a powerful sense of connection and joy. The table isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to belong. And by practicing hospitality and charity whenever possible, we make the world a warmer, kinder place, one shared meal and one act of kindness at a time.
So, let’s make room at our tables, open our doors, and share our lives. After all, the more we extend our tables, the more love, joy, and meaning we welcome into our own lives as well.
The Wandering Librarian 
Leave a comment