Colorado | Two.

We will never know what is out there waiting for us if we don't extend an empty hand to the world and wait for the wonder to happen. -Lonni Collins Pratt

Comida | Longmont, CO

I was reading a book the beginning of this year called Radical Hospitality by Lonni Collins Pratt. It's all about the Benedictine way of radically welcoming others in to the daily rhythms of their lives. It changes not only the people welcomed in but you, the welcomer. It's daring and scary to bring people to your table and home and into your heart. I tried practicing this radical hospitality. If Jesus sat and ate with everyone, went out of His way for others, and met people's needs in small and big ways, I wanted to attempt the same. Inviting people for a meal expecting nothing in return, driving people places sometimes out of the way enjoying the conversation, meeting small needs as I could, these were a few ways I engaged in radical hospitality. Nothing astronomically radical, small acts in learning to be hospitable like Jesus. I think it's radical because we live in a time where looking out for ourselves trumps all and fear of outsiders is overly heightened. Every time we step outside of ourselves is a chance to love deeper in a way that might be tiring or depleting of resources, but worth it. 

Colorado State Capitol Building | Denver, CO

I've experienced radical hospitality here in Colorado, making the transition to a new place, new job, and new people easier. Free time is an ominous question mark eliciting worry of having no plans and no car and not knowing Colorado at all. I was shown radical hospitality by a group of girls who didn't require me to earn my place, rather they welcomed me because we are united under the banner of God's grace and serving Him this summer. The radical hospitality of being welcomed in and not treated differently because of where I'm from or how long I'd known them eliminated feelings of alone-ness.

Everyday Joe's | Fort Collins, CO

Hunkering down at a new church each week makes for a lot of change and lots of different people to interact with. The children's pastors of the churches have been so hospitable in a way I didn't expect to be crucial. They throw open their doors and let us crank up the music and AC. We run around the church drawing on all cement surfaces with chalk, taking over their parking lots, using resources, and at the end of the week they are beaming and thanking us for the work we did. Yes, we clean up and take care of the churches, but still for a week we are everywhere and have kids screaming right bellow offices. Radical hospitality loves even when it is not required and not convenient. 

Illegal Pete's | Denver, CO

I recently read a book by Donald Miller where he wrote: 

Leave. So strong and forceful, the way you have always wanted to be. And you will not be alone. You have never been alone. Don't worry. Everything will still be here when you get back. It is you who will have changed.

Leaving for Colorado was a "strong and forceful" leaving in that I knew no one where I was going and knew little about what I was doing. All I knew for sure was I was supposed to go and I wanted to go, even though leaving for a season is always difficult. I left and found a radical hospitality like Christ in so many places and people, making me feel known and loved. The moments I start to question stepping out on a grand adventure or worry about being included I simply look up to the walls of the home I have been welcomed to stay in, or down at the food provided by a church, or feel the warm embrace of my team mates and am reminded I would have never known the wonder of being radically loved by people who have no reason to had I not left. 

Pictures are of some of my favorite places in Denver we visited this week. 

Black Eye Coffee | Capitol Hill | Denver, CO