That’s What It’s All About
I couldn’t come off of a week like we had at our house last week and not say something about it. There’s been a lot of extra laundry, a lot of extra cooking, a lot of extra dirty dishes, and to-do lists that didn’t get done. But there’s also been a lot of laughing, a lot of reminiscing, a few tears of joy, and more blessings than I can count.
It’s what hospitality is all about.
A very special friend stayed with us for most of last week, and we put into practice all the good principles of hospitality, like making sure the house was just right, and buying new pillows for the guest room, and making a welcome basket with everything I could possibly think he might like. And then I noticed our kids doing the same kinds of things, like writing up a welcome board and doing the extra chores without complaining.
It’s what hospitality is all about.
And then the day he left, we cleaned it all up, and got the guest room ready again for a quick visit from my sister and “the cousins”. And there was even more laughter and giggles and fun.
It’s what hospitality is all about.
And even though I’ve spent much more time cleaning and cooking and entertaining than I do in a normal week, I’m the one who came out ahead. And even though I was up late each night and up early each morning and I had the dark circles under my eyes to prove it, I was still sad when it was all over. Because hospitality is a funny thing. It turns out that the more you give it out, the more of it you receive. It knits hearts together and turns acquaintances into friends. And sometimes the effects of a single person’s visit to your home can benefit your family for a lifetime.
It’s not about fancy guest rooms or gourmet dinners. It’s about welcoming people into your home to share a small part of your life. That person staying in your home for a few days might end up staying in your heart forever.
It’s what hospitality is all about.
Stacey
April 22, 2013 @ 12:40 pm
Absolutely! We love to have guests. We go through all of the same things you described and it's worth every bit of the effort. 🙂
Julie
April 22, 2013 @ 12:46 pm
It's great, isn't it?!
Brian Neher
April 22, 2013 @ 12:41 pm
I love this post Julie!!! So true!! It makes opening up your home so worth it!
Brian Neher
April 22, 2013 @ 12:41 pm
This is Jacquie…I posted under Brian's name!! LOL!! 🙂
Julie
April 22, 2013 @ 12:46 pm
Yes, I was pretty sure this was you, Jacquie! 🙂
David and Dee Dee Sterling
April 22, 2013 @ 1:11 pm
Amen! Well said! Great for your kids to see your hospitable heart and learn what a blessing it is to have a home where guests feel welcome and comfortable!
John Webb
April 22, 2013 @ 2:31 pm
As missionaries, I truly believe hospitality is part of the gifting you 'take on', or, shall I say, that God forms in you! Little did I know that as we began so many years ago! Christian, our youngest, gives up his room for guests…and we have them continuously. We have talked with Christian about the great sacrifice he makes in giving up his room, and what God says about that, and like you mentioned, the 3 of our children are learning to be gracious hosts, learning to serve, learning to make guests feel comfortable. We regularly receive ppl literally from around the world, ppl we don't know. The most recent has been the dear Cretzman family – whom had the tragic accident with their precious daughter. What a joy it has been. Our family challenge is this: Luke 6:38…Really love this post, Julie! May God prick our hearts continually to be givers as moms and dads…our children are the ones who will be onlooking, learning, observing, and our prayer is….that they be much more than we ever were! Blessings to you and your sweet family!