Simplicity of Hospitality
Today we finished the second day of our women's leadership conference at a local hotel. On the front desk were beautiful green apples for anyone to take. One of our speakers today spoke on making hospitality simple, yet inviting. I thought the apples were a perfect example of simple, yet inviting hospitality. We know hotels work to make people feel at home while actually away from home, but what do we do to make people feel at home in our lives?
Our speaker Sherry, talked about how she invites her neighbors to bring over whatever is in their refrigerator and she pulls out her leftovers and they visit over a simple meal. Sherry mentioned not putting on such a fancy meal that others don't feel able to reciprocate and thus don't feel comfortable entertaining you or others. I had a hard time with this aspect of her presentation as I love to cook and pull out nice dishes as a treat to my guests, not to intimidate them or puff myself up. I'll need to pray about this and have God show me if I have the right motives in my hospitality. Pray about who you can invite into your home to share a meal and the love of Christ.
Our speaker Sherry, talked about how she invites her neighbors to bring over whatever is in their refrigerator and she pulls out her leftovers and they visit over a simple meal. Sherry mentioned not putting on such a fancy meal that others don't feel able to reciprocate and thus don't feel comfortable entertaining you or others. I had a hard time with this aspect of her presentation as I love to cook and pull out nice dishes as a treat to my guests, not to intimidate them or puff myself up. I'll need to pray about this and have God show me if I have the right motives in my hospitality. Pray about who you can invite into your home to share a meal and the love of Christ.
1 Peter 4: 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
You're doing the hosting area the greatest. I wouldn't change a thing. I think its the holy spirit that your friends feel when they're in your home is what makes everyone feel comfortable. The other stuff is great, makes us feel special...
ReplyDeleteI agree with Barb..I love being surrounded by beautiful things but it is the way you make us feel that makes it really special. We know there is a presence of the Lord in your home and that it is done with love.
DeleteBut for me Sherry's advice really helps. Entertaining for me is stressful. So making it casual would really help. I would love to hear her speak sometime.
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