There is a special kind of welcome you feel when you come into a room where the table is set, all ready for the beloved, anticipated guests. But there is a different kind of welcome implicit in an empty table, where anyone, it seems, might sit down without knowing who they might encounter, or what might be served.
How do you make a place at the table to welcome the stranger or the unknown?
Thanks for another thought-provoking Compass insight.
I ponder about providing more room at the table – drawing up another chair for someone who has something to say, sharing the space and hearing another voice and perspective in the conversation.
1st would greet and welcome invite in get a cup of coffe tell a little about myself ask a little bit about them. possible share snack and set table for comfort. share an ins;irational story or bible verse.
Eating out, sitting at a table with or near those whom we do not know may be something that takes adjustment to the situation. I often size up what I think to be the attitude of the person and if I think it is “OK”, I speak and greet. If the person’s demeanor appears sullen or withdrawn, I often do not communicate. This may not be the true case, of course, but I try to ascertain which way to proceed. I enjoy casual conversations with strangers but also feel that there are times when I should not intrude. One time I saw a rather scruffily dressed man eating breakfast nearby and decided to pay for his meal as I left without his knowing it.