On the banks of the River Liffey sits the oldest independent bookshop in Dublin. The Winding Stair greets strangers, foreigners toting passports from here and there, with welcome and wonder.
Small and peculiar, the landmark—named after the Yeats poem— offers an eclectic collection of new and second-hand books to a clientele as diverse as its titles. Downstairs amidst the pages, tea and coffee are served, while upstairs boasts one of the city’s most favored restaurants. Tiny tables in a tiny room breed intimacy and home-style comfort as tasty as the food.
What is it about corner bookshops and neighborhood restaurants?
“Hospitality is a very ordinary business, but in its ordinariness is its real worth.” Simon Carey Holt, theologian and chef {from A Meal with Jesus}
Sitting closer to me than a neighbor in a church pew, a young woman at the table to my left, wearing a soft gray sweater caught my eye. Her dinner companion, a man her age in a bright blue and green plaid shirt, touched her hand often. I couldn’t help myself and after an hour of nearly knocking elbows and avoiding eye contact, I struck up a conversation. The wide eyed couple were sharing dessert and I asked for a bite. No, I didn’t. But, I did ask if the pot de creme was delicious.
The young couple, from The Netherlands, was expecting their first child soon and we lapsed into a delightful conversation about children, parenthood, and the importance of enjoying lingering dinners out while they could. Half our age and from a land half the world away our differences were never discussed, only our common enthusiasm for the perfect supper at the Winding Stair and the joys of anticipating children.
As they left, “God bless you,” slipped from my lips. For a split second, I felt like a fool. Sitting in Dublin, I offered a blessing to strangers from The Netherlands. Who does that?
But the table was so cozy, the conversation so natural. It felt like home. And the words were something I would have offered at my own table without thinking twice.
The young man turned back towards me and let his eyes fix on mine for a second longer than comfortable. “Thank you,” he said. And there was a flicker of light from the deep of his blues.
On Saturdays, during our month together for 31 Days of Outrageous Hospitality, I’ll share a favorite book that offers inspiration and instruction on the gift of hospitality. This week I encourage you to read A Meal with Jesus by Tim Chester.
The meals of Jesus represent something bigger. They represent a new world, a new kingdom, a new outlook.
Tim Chester brings to light God’s purposes in the seemingly ordinary act of sharing a meal—how this everyday experience is really an opportunity for grace, community, and mission. Chester challenges contemporary understandings of hospitality as he urges us to evaluate why and whowe invite to our table. Learn how you can foster grace and bless others through the rich fare being served in A Meal with Jesus.
Day #12 Table Talk: Have you ever struck up a conversation with complete strangers at a restaurant?
What a delightful post! I look forward to checking out this book. Thank you for the recommendation and for telling your story so charmingly.
When I was very heavy with child with our second, my husband and I were having an overnight in a nearby city while our oldest was with grandparents. As we enjoyed a leisurely and delicious meal at a wonderful Italian restaurant, a woman at a nearby table told me I looked wonderful and that compliment was such music to this mama’s ears as I wanted to feel beautiful on this date with my husband and yet couldn’t quite ignore my aching body and very rounded belly.
I have had many a conversation with strangers in restaurants but this is the one that comes first to mind. Kelly
Kelly,
Thanks for sharing. Your story is wonderful and a perfect example of how good it feels to receive outrageous hospitality. So glad you are at the table today. Kristin
An afternoon in Santa Fe on the patio of one of our favorite hotels/restaurants we talked with a couple twenty years younger. Laughing and sharing our travels they suggested we have dinner the next night. Their first trip to Santa Fe and they wanted a meal they wouldn’t soon forget. Would we join them? We did and a wonderful evening of excellent food and conversation was our reward for taking a chance meeting and turning it into an adventure. You never know. Instead of a table for two we doubled the seating. Outrageous thing to do maybe for some, but a risk certainly well worth it for us.
Mia,
LOVE IT! Isn’t it amazing when we open our hearts and minds to the idea. Strangers are now friends. Can’t wait to hear more about them… xo, Kristin
Fantastic book, I read it this summer. I hope everyone who reads your 31 one days (which have been AWESOME), goes out and gets it. Tim Chester was at a local church in my area. Love your posts!
Thanks Barb. I’m so glad you are here. And, I, too, hope everyone will read A Meal With Jesus. How cool Tim Chester lives near you. xo, Kristin