The Humble Gift of Welcome

Hospitality is the humble gift of welcome, while entertaining is prideful, showy, wants to impress, and as my husband and I have experienced personally, very hurtful for those being "entertained". The most important part of hospitality is conveying an attitude of welcome, care and love toward those who are coming into your home. Our guests couldn't care less about the size of our home, kind or condition of the furniture, how the table is set or even what is being served, as long as they feel welcomed, loved, and cared for. Hospitality does not say, "hey, look at me", it says, "I'm glad you're here and I'm caring for you".

People are longing for relationship, connection, and a sense of acceptance, none of which are being supplied on Facebook or any other form of social media. Inviting people into our lives and our homes is where connecting takes place, especially around the table and a meal. The meal need not be elaborate; simplicity is key to easing stress and a feeling of being relaxed, for us and our guests. Our guests have come into our home for fellowship and an enjoyable time, and I have found that guests always ask what they can contribute to the meal, which causes them to feel more apart of the meal.

Recently we had some friends in our home to help celebrate my birthday, hence the picture of the lovely cake my husband purchased for the meal. The evening was filled with laughter and good food. There is no better way to connect with friends and family than to share laughter, conversation that includes everyone, and good food. Blessings...

Good Manners

My husband and I returned from a trip to California last week. We were gone ten days and connecting with friends and family presented itself in many forms. I do not think that most of us even think of how much we can impact the lives of those around us, for good or bad, we just do because we are in relationships.

How we respond to the people we invite into our homes is very important, but how we respond to people in public places is also a form of connecting and relationship building. Do we offer a kind word or a smile? Do we act interested in the people who are sitting at the table with us even if they aren't our best friend or closest family member? There were times when I felt very uncomfortable and left out, and I had to make the effort to be kind and keep going. Good manners, being kind, and showing an interest in other people are very important social graces that must not be forgotten. Reach out to others with a kind word and a smile. Be a blessing in the life of another.

"Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use." Emily Post

Easter and an Invitation to New Friendships

Easter, for my husband and I, was going to be a quiet dinner after church, and a few phone calls with loved ones. But, a neighbor with a tender heart changed our plans on Saturday afternoon.

While I was at the market my husband called to ask if I would like to go to our neighbors home for Easter dinner. Well, this was a very unusual turn of events for us. It seems our neighbor came to the door to invite us to their family meal, which was going to be a potluck involving many people. Two of the people were the son and daughter-in-law of our neighbors, who are new attenders at the same church we attend, so this was going to be a great opportunity to get to know them better, as well. I said that I would love to go.

Then, of course, my next thought was, "what do I plan to take at this late date". Stacy didn't ask us to bring anything, but when my husband went to their home to give our acceptance he asked what we could bring and called me back. I was buying produce at that moment so the thought of a fruit salad sounded like a good idea. Fruit is always a good idea for a potluck.

We had such a wonderful time with this family. A very special blessing in it for us was the fact that many of our neighbors family members also live in the same subdivision, so we were meeting other neighbors.

Our hearts were really touched by this wonderful act of kindness. Inviting others into our home for meals has been a cornerstone of our marriage and home, especially as ministry, with very little reciprocation. We have found that people tend to be afraid to extend an invitation to anyone but very close friends and family. We people like to stay safe. But, how many opportunities for new relationships do we miss by staying safe? It was wonderful to be on the receiving end this time. Have a blessed day!

Is Inviting Guests for Dinner Difficult for You?

Inviting people into our home was very difficult for me in the early years of my marriage. I took every aspect of having guests into our home very seriously, way too seriously, actually. I usually made enemies of my family in the process of cleaning and cooking. I'm sure the message they got was that company was far more important than they were and they needed to leave me alone so I could accomplish my agenda. By the time our guests arrived I was absolutely shot and had a very difficult time enjoying myself. The only thing I could see by the time dinner was on the table was all the work that still remained after everyone went home. This is not fun.

It is so much better to serve a very simple meal in a tidy house, and be relaxed and enjoy a wonderful time with your friends and family than to be stressed out and miserable because everything had to be perfect. God's word speaks clearly to the issue of sharing our lives with people and building relationships, not about lavish meals and perfect decor. I have had women tell me that they would not have company in their homes because the furniture was old and they were not good cooks. Building relationships is so much more than the shape of our furniture and what is on the table. As long as we are loving and welcoming, our guests will be so glad they were invited. Blessings in your endeavors...

The Gift of Welcome

"You can share your heart and life with others, even if the meal is simple and the setting is humble. The most important gift of welcome simply says I care, I love you, and I have prepared a place for you."

The Woman's Study Bible, Second Edition

Copyright 1995, 2006 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

New King James Version, Page 1636