Being the introvert that I am, there are times when I slit an envelope from the mailbox with my little opener, read the words “You’re Invited!” and cringe. Most of the time, however, a wave of gratitude washes over me that someone cares enough to include me, that a friend might actually cherish my attendance at their event. I dutifully RSVP, especially if it can be completed without actually having to talk to a stranger, say via email or text message, and then enter the date into my phone calendar. As a Gen Xer, it’s acceptable to commit to an event weeks in advance, not concerned that something better might come along like younger generations seem to do, and then I quickly search the gift registry so that I can have first choice on something extremely practical.

These words written across the top of a 5×7 sheet of cardstock contain a wealth of meanings—perhaps you’re known for great gift giving, or they were obligated in some way, like being related, or perhaps your presence really is desired at this event. Most of us probably associate You’re Invited! with being on the receiving end of the invitation, but as I read Emily Freeman’s A Million Little Ways, she has me pondering the perspective of the hostess after reading theses lines: “Live your life like a hostess who serves the people at her table. She looks them in the eye, meets them where they are.” Now, I recognize that I’m about to take a giant leap here, but my mind wandered to ways I could “live life like a hostess,” particularly in my role as an educator in creating a Hospitality Room, so I made a plan!

What if I sent You’re Invited! invitations to the students enrolled in my classes this semester? Would that be too cheesy? But reading Freeman’s next words sealed the deal. “Issue the invitation. Serve those who show up with what you have and who you are by offering yourself and receiving the offering they bring as well.” What if on the first day of class, rather than opting for the usual cover-the-syllabus day, I welcomed students with their invitations at the door? What if I escorted each one to their reserved seat with a place card, introducing myself as we walk? What if this activity communicates my desire for them to engage with the content, with their peers, and with me? What if a You’re Invited! equates into an incredible First 48, which opens the door to a Hospitality Room which then leads to a Barn Raising during class discussions throughout the course? What if…?

What if Freeman’s insight to offer the invitation captures ideas of Reclaiming Conversation, of creating a hospitable space in the college classroom where students feel safe to flounder and even fail, where they can explore their ideas of the discipline and expand them further? Perhaps in the Christian college classroom, this is a place to be “the church, congruent with Ephesians 4:15-16, that essentially says the body grows when all its members give what they have to give—‘we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.’”

So, the invitations are being sent with the hope that students will RSVP, considering a commitment to engage as often as possible, to help each other out on the days engagement is lacking, and to help each other discover new things about themselves and our world. Perhaps, this can provide one small step to experiencing a flourishing life! Stay tuned. I’ll let you know where it falls on the Flourishing Continuum!

If you have thoughts on this idea, especially ways to improve it, please consider sharing in the comments below.

Reference:

Freeman, E.P. (2013). A million little ways: Uncover the art you were made to live. [Kindle version]. Baker Publishing Group.