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