Safe Harbor and Hospitality

I was thinking recently about how blessed I am to live in such a safe, pleasant place. My country, my state, my city, and even my specific neighborhood offer relative safety and more than a fair share of comfort. I love where I live. It is a beautiful neighborhood with interesting history, a friendly community, and charming houses and gardens.

However, I know the environment I live in is only a dream to many. I know there are many areas, even in my own city, where neighborhoods are not safe or welcoming, and where poverty and social factors have left deteriorating buildings and even more damaging scars on people. In other areas of the world, more extreme situations would make even the worst neighborhood in my city seem desirable.

I sometimes feel a little guilty about living in such a wonderful place when not everyone has that opportunity. I make efforts to help people in difficult places, but I do not always know the best way. In many cases, living with people is the best way to know their needs and help them so I want to be open to living in a difficult place if that is where I can make the most impact. However, I think, for the present, I am in the right place. Most people who visit describe my house as beautiful, cozy, and cheerful. I will admit that aesthetics do matter to me, but it really encourages me if people find a little bit of rest in the coziness and joy in the cheerfulness of the carriage house.

This got me thinking about my name, Chelsea. My parents say they picked my name purely because they liked the sound of it, though I think there must have been some positive association since my mom was born in the city of Chelsea.

Chelsea does have a meaning though; it refers to a seaport or harbor. A harbor provides a place of refuge and safety from the wild of the ocean. It is a kind of haven or shelter to ships and crews who have been traveling far. I am not a risk taker or thrill-seeker by nature. I am not the first one to rush into danger in an emergency, but I have deep admiration for those who do. I have admiration for those on the front lines physically or spiritually, taking risks where its hard. I also have compassion for those experience suffering and trauma. I do not know if I will eventually be “on the front lines” in a different location, but for now, I want to offer refuge for those who are hurting and to those who are taking risks to help the hurting.

A harbor is also busy, with lots of coming and going. It is open to many people, from many cultures. It may just be a temporary stop for some, a long stay for others, and home to a few. I want to serve the people who are in my life (including those from different cultures and backgrounds) and help them along their journey for the time they are with me.

My doors are open. My house is yours because its His. I like my home to be clean and beautiful, but dirty dishes, crowded rooms, or unexpected visits also make me happy if it gives people a feeling of rest and refuge. Do you know what your name means?

On the theme of hospitality, I have really been enjoying the song Crowded Table by The Highwomen.

P. S. Maybe the “sea” spelling at the end of my name will make sense now.

Photo by Frans Ruiter on Unsplash