Do you have the "gift" of hospitality?
I honestly don't think I do. But, what I do have is the love of fellowship and sometimes that means you have to be hospitable.
It's not that I don't like people in my home; it's that I'm too much of a worrier.
I worry about what kind of food to make.
Then I worry about not making enough food.
Then I worry about how to entertain the guests.
Then I worry about how clean the house is (or isn't).
Then it's about the grass and how the yard looks.
Then it's how many people to invite.
And whether their kids are well behaved.
And if we have enough mosquito spray (hey! We're in Texas!)
And the list could go on and on!
I guess you could say I'm a worrier (that's obvious).
But I've grown over the years and I've calmed down a lot. I still pray, each time we have someone over, that I'll be a good hostess and not let anything get me flustered. God always comes through and I end up having a great time.
People are the main thing. Fellowship is the goal and making others feel welcomed and loved.
I have to admit, this is not something that comes naturally to me, but God is still at work and I'm still in training!
Romans 12:13 says: "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Maybe when I'm old and gray, I will be a gracious hostess. One who is calm and welcoming and is so able to invite and entertain and doesn't fret over little things.
That's my goal.
In the meantime, I'll just pray for forgiving guests:)
Debbie, I love you so much:) I always feel like we're kindred spirits when I read your posts. I know I don't have that gift either, but I enjoy the fellowship with others. I have fond memories of my first grade teacher who ended up being friends with my mom. Our two families would frequently do things together, and she never hesitated to invite others into her home. She was so laid back, her house was never tidy, and there would often be dishes in the sink or unfolded laundry on the couch. But what I remember most is not her somewhat messy house, but how warm, welcoming, and fun both she and her family always were. With so many wonderful memories there, I'd hate to think that I would've missed out on those precious times if she had been more concerned about the look of her house than she was about people. I wish I could be more like her.
ReplyDelete-- Cindy
Cindy,
DeleteThis comment just blessed me more than you know:)))
I love having people over and I so want to be that house/person that everyone feels free to stop by on a moment's notice. Problem is, my house never seems to be clean at the times people want to pop on by :( I don't really get worried about my really good friends and family popping by b/c they know me and my crazy life (after all they r right there with me) and know what my house looks like when it is actually clean...lol! It is the other people that I don't know as well. I guess i am worried about them judging me for not having a perfectly cleaned house. I know I shouldn't care. My husband's Granny always tells me, if people are coming over to see your house, they are coming over for the wrong reasons. I know she's right...just gotta get it thru me thick skull ;)
ReplyDeletePauline,
DeleteI'm right there with you:)
I do worry about what my house looks like:(
I try to stay on top of things as the day goes by, but if someone were to walk in the door unexpectedly, it would for sure be when I left dishes in the sink for a few hours! Murphy's law!