As we reopen, remember: hospitality matters

Sonya Braun By: Sonya Braun Posted:

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/06/2021 (709 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Hospitality matters. The day “no-people-on-the-premises” ended, I had my sister-in-law and niece over in the back yard. I set up the outdoor furniture for conversation, darted to the grocery store for an assortment of fun fruits, and got out the homemade iced tea that my son and I had just attempted for the first time.  It was marvelous to see them again.  
My brother’s family moved to Winnipeg in August and since we haven’t lived in the same town since 1999, we’ve been eager to spend time with them. It’s been a challenge this year, but most particularly in spring when they made a trip to Saskatchewan to bring their son back from college, self-isolated and then shortly after, got COVID in Manitoba, quarantined, and then faced the province-wide restrictions for another three weeks.  That was hard for them.  
For those of us who love having people over, it’s also been hard. Hard to see people who are new to Winnipeg feel isolated, hard to see single friends struggle, hard to see it all and feel powerless to help.
Hospitality matters. When we open our homes and hearts to others, good things happen. There’s something about seeing others and being seen. Talking and being heard. Giving and receiving. Being in another’s presence.  
Something special happens when we eat a meal together, laugh, and tell stories. We linger longer when guests are present. We develop a history together, maybe even traditions. For those happy moments around the table, we feel a sense of belonging. A sense of significance. It may not be perfect, but it’s good. Deeply good.
Afterwards, we feel uplifted. Maybe a bit tired if we’re introverts, but glad inside that we made the effort to invite people in and share with them.
Hospitality doesn’t have to be a giant production. It can be a potluck, just dessert, take-out, a hotdog roast, ice cream sundaes, a big watermelon, or just something to drink on a hot day. It can be having some kids over while mom goes to an appointment, offering cookies and lemonade from your front yard to the dog-walkers, bringing muffins to a new neighbour, or inviting a friend over during their lunch break.
Hospitality is simply making space for others in your life. Sharing time, food, and a bit of your heart. It’s learning to give what you have and not worry if it measures up, because ultimately, we all want to be loved and cared for, not fussed over.
I hope we haven’t forgotten how to or been frightened away from offering hospitality in this past year. Hospitality matters. Let’s plan to make the most of this summer!
Sonya Braun is a community correspondent for Springfield North.

Hospitality matters. The day “no-people-on-the-premises” ended, I had my sister-in-law and niece over in the back yard. I set up the outdoor furniture for conversation, darted to the grocery store for an assortment of fun fruits, and got out the homemade iced tea that my son and I had just attempted for the first time.  It was marvelous to see them again.  

My brother’s family moved to Winnipeg in August and since we haven’t lived in the same town since 1999, we’ve been eager to spend time with them. It’s been a challenge this year, but most particularly in spring when they made a trip to Saskatchewan to bring their son back from college, self-isolated and then shortly after, got COVID in Manitoba, quarantined, and then faced the province-wide restrictions for another three weeks.  That was hard for them.  

Dreamstime.com Hospitality is sharing time and friendship with others. Let’s make the most of the summer.
Dreamstime.com Hospitality is sharing time and friendship with others. Let’s make the most of the summer.

For those of us who love having people over, it’s also been hard. Hard to see people who are new to Winnipeg feel isolated, hard to see single friends struggle, hard to see it all and feel powerless to help.

Hospitality matters. When we open our homes and hearts to others, good things happen. There’s something about seeing others and being seen. Talking and being heard. Giving and receiving. Being in another’s presence.  

Something special happens when we eat a meal together, laugh, and tell stories. We linger longer when guests are present. We develop a history together, maybe even traditions. For those happy moments around the table, we feel a sense of belonging. A sense of significance. It may not be perfect, but it’s good. Deeply good.

Afterwards, we feel uplifted. Maybe a bit tired if we’re introverts, but glad inside that we made the effort to invite people in and share with them.

Hospitality doesn’t have to be a giant production. It can be a potluck, just dessert, take-out, a hotdog roast, ice cream sundaes, a big watermelon, or just something to drink on a hot day. It can be having some kids over while mom goes to an appointment, offering cookies and lemonade from your front yard to the dog-walkers, bringing muffins to a new neighbour, or inviting a friend over during their lunch break.

Hospitality is simply making space for others in your life. Sharing time, food, and a bit of your heart. It’s learning to give what you have and not worry if it measures up, because ultimately, we all want to be loved and cared for, not fussed over.

I hope we haven’t forgotten how to or been frightened away from offering hospitality in this past year. Hospitality matters. Let’s plan to make the most of this summer!

Sonya Braun is a community correspondent for Springfield North.

Sonya Braun

Sonya Braun
Springfield North community correspondent

Sonya Braun is a community correspondent for Springfield North.

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