Comments on: Unplanned Hospitality

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:42:39 +0000

My dad once mom if he could invite a visitor at church over for lunch. Mom said okay, but she was silently praying “please, God, let him say no. THe house is a mess, I don’t know have anything planned for lunch, please just let him say no.” But God had other plans, and the Harry wound up staying all afternoon, coloring and hiding eggs with us girls (it was Easter Sunday), and we consider he and his wife (he was younger and single when we met him) are close family friends 20+ years later.

Mom told him that story, once, and he said he never even noticed. He was young, single, and in the Army, and just enjoyed being included as part of a family for a few hours.

By: BarbaraLee

BarbaraLee — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:33:20 +0000

And you were afraid she thought you were sitting around eating bonbons & watching soaps.

By: kristin

kristin — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:34:45 +0000

I am coming out of my lurkdom to say that I should be printing out, cutting out, and laminating this post, and reading it to myself 14 times a day! I am excellent at announcing to other people (and firmly believing) that it is the KINDNESS, the HOSPITALITY, the WANTING YOU THERE that is important — not the way the house looks, or the number of children’s toys on the floor, or the pile of laundry in the back room.

I am horrible at believing it for my own house! Thanks!

By: Org Junkie

Org Junkie — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:49:25 +0000

Ahh this is awesome Laura and very inspirational. I’m not always very spontaneous but the times that I am are usually the best. I should do it more often.

By: amandaxox

amandaxox — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:10:56 +0000

Amen to that one! What a great lesson and just what I needed. Great blog btw. I’ll check back often =o)

amanda.coxfam.org

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:38:10 +0000

This has been an area of struggle for me. I am working hard to overcome the need to apologize for living in my home-it’s not easy. However, I once read in a book (can’t remember what book) that when we apologize for the way our home looks, we’re conveying a message to our guests that we really wish they hadn’t come. In the end, it makes them uncomfortable and causes them to feel the need to apologize for visiting.
I realized that it was true-I have visited friend’s homes that were chaotic because they were involved in things when I arrived, but never felt that I was anything less than welcome. Friends are there to see people-not perform the white glove test.
I’m glad you had a good visit-it’s nice to spend time with friends. :-)

By: Trixie

Trixie — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:31:50 +0000

Hello,

I really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing!

When I think about it the homes I most enjoy visiting are those that are actually used. Very seldom do I feel welcome and at ease in a polished palace.

It’s so nice to be invited in to partake of a friend’s home and family for a meal or visit. I’m sure your friend view this as such a special time with you:)

Take Care,

Trixie

By: Sherry

Sherry — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:31:27 +0000

I think of all the times that I have wasted opportunities to be hospitable because I was too worried about the house. :( Thank you for sharing!

By: Debbie

Debbie — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:48:05 +0000

I hear you. I made the decision several years ago that I would not miss out on the blessing of guests in my home based on what it looked like. If someone doesn’t want to come back because my house was a mess, I probably don’t want them here anyway. :)

By: Eveline

Eveline — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:34:54 +0000

Enjoy the moment! great blog
thank you for sharing it!

!lot’s off fun whit cleaning :-)