Last night I was out to dinner at a “casual-nice” attire restaurant. I was wearing jeans, button down shirt with tails out, wallet with chain, and sneakers. My dining companion was i business work attire. Other patrons were in stained t-shirts, sweat pants, stretch pants, dresses, sport coat and pants. Point being that there was the entire gamut of dress in this restaurant – not too strange for the east side of Madison.
As I look back on the evening, the most striking part was the blind hospitality the staff gave to each person in that establishment. Each of us were treated as special guests to be honored – not because of the way we looked but because we were important to them.
I have lived in the south; known for it’s “southern hospitality.” Which I admit is nice, respectful, and as sweet as the tea. But I have also heard the background judgment and chatter that often accompanied such hospitality.
I have been to expensive restaurants in New York and looked down upon because I am clearly from the mid-west.
The blind hospitality we received last night was exceptional. As part of Holy Week I can only imagine Jesus showing this same hospitality.
My question is, when have you experienced true hospitality, or for that matter judgmental hospitality?
Ir-Reverent Rev Pat's Blog 
Apr 04, 2012 @ 12:21:01
Thanks for the interesting post! As I think back, it is either easier to remember the negatives, or they are more common. I’ve been negatively hosted (to coin a phrase) in churches, stores, restaurants and homes – most often because I was a stranger or an outsider, sometimes because of my heritage or perceived ethnicity. I think I need to be more aware of the positive side – when I’ve been lovingly and openly hosted – and try to highlight those times in my memory, to be thankful for them, and to use them as models for my interactions with others.
Apr 10, 2012 @ 08:11:18
I have been blessed to having received true hospitality several times in my adult life but one always comes to mind with amazing love, Christmas eve 1968,we were going to be alone as young people in the military and far from home for the 1st time during the holidays. A couple who we did not know well asked us to join their family for Christmas eve….what a gift and they were loving and caring to this young couple far from home. That evening has stuck in my heart for all these years and this family has become close, loving friends. The Brunswick stew we fix for Christmas eve is a way for me to remember the hospitality shared that night.
Apr 11, 2012 @ 06:57:29
Pretty amazing how food, in particular, can take one back to that moment of hospitality. And how 44 years running you can relive this hospitality through a simple meal. Sounds similar to what Jesus did for us in the last supper.