By Jude Johnson
In a large, touristic location like Mexico City, it can be hard to find a place to feel seen and cared for as a traveler. This summer, I tried to create a hospitable space amidst the bustle of the city, welcoming guests from around the world–China, Belgium, Trinidad–as a manager of a Christ-centered community called Warm Heart. I found myself constantly busy throughout the day, often swept away by the many minute tasks calling for my attention. My fellow managers and I worked tirelessly to keep the space clean and functional for our guests. Yet amidst this busyness, I often felt Jesus whispering to me the same message he told his friend Martha: “Jude, Jude, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary” (see Luke 10:41-42). Jesus showed me the beauty of a hospitality of presence as I interacted with our guests.
One afternoon, I was cleaning our shared living space, and I was tired. As I stood in the hallway sweeping, our Turkish guest, Adem, walked past to his bedroom. I gave a friendly greeting and asked how he was doing, fulfilling the standard requirements of American courtesy. As he responded, I began sweeping again as a subtle indicator that I needed to get back to work. Yet Adem continued to talk. I was tempted to cut him off, but I could feel a still, small voice inside telling me to wait. So I paused and decided to simply focus on being present to Adem. He shared with me the impact that Warm Heart had impressed upon him. For a long time he had struggled with intense social anxiety, and throughout the course of his travels he had often feared social interaction. However, the time spent with our community–cooking meals, walking across the city, cleaning the space–had been incredibly transformative for him. Adem told me that he felt comfortable in our space, much more free to be himself around others.
Being present to others is ultimately of much higher value than creating a hospitable space. Indeed, presence is the key to creating a place where people feel genuinely welcomed. At
Warm Heart, I realized the best way I could welcome guests was simply through spending time with them. Having returned to my life at Wheaton College, I desire to learn from my experience in Mexico City. Whether it be through meeting with students at our college Writing Center, talking with friends over a meal at the dining hall, or listening to my roommates at our house, I am continually finding places to practice a hospitality of presence.
Jude Johnson is a junior at Wheaton College studying art history and English literature, with a certificate in urban leadership. He has served with RezYouth and now works to foster artistic community at Church of the Resurrection. He is proud to call Austin, Texas, his home.
