Recently I experienced some wonderful hospitality. The setting was Borrowdale Vicarage, and the occasion was a day on Healing and Wholeness. On arrival, everything was ready, and there were signs of careful planning, attention to detail, and ‘that something more,’ which transforms a space into something truly welcoming, homely and attractive. The hostess has a creative flair which was in evidence on every wall, and in every nook and cranny. And this creative flair extended to her cooking which not only looked good, and tasted good, but was also good for the body.

The best hospitality recognises that we are body, mind and spirit - and feeds all of them. It involves the sharing of ‘all that I am’ with ‘all that you are.’

And each time we do this, especially when it is done in a generous way, we contribute to the healing and wholeness of the other.

And this is precisely what God has done in coming into the world in the person of Jesus. Jesus shares all that God is - the fullness of his love, creativity, acceptance, nourishment, rest, peace, joy - with each of us, just as we are. And this brings a measure of healing and wholeness to each of us.

The Rev Kath Dodd

Joint minister of Hawkshead Hill