Hospitality

Two of our dear friends have just left after an enjoyable evening of cheesecake, coffee, and conversation, and I must say it was a wonderful way to kick off the weekend. These are friends we don't have to put on a show for. Yes, I did tidy up a bit before they came, but I didn't care that there was a pile of baby clothes still on the bar stool in the kitchen. Tonight, we were all able to relax as we chatted and sipped our coffee.

Dave and I decided to be intentional about inviting people to our home on a Friday night for dessert. Our original goal was to do this twice a month, but given our other social commitments on Friday nights, it seems one time a month is working well. I suppose you could say it was a New Year's resolution considering it began in January with inviting two of my coworkers and their husbands. We simply pick up a pie or other special treat, bring out the box of K-cups for guests to choose from, and chat about anything and everything either around the kitchen table or spread out among the comfy leather couches in the living room.

Although I'm an introvert at heart, one of my desires is to open our home to others. Through our marriage, this has taken many forms. We've hosted college students here on choir tours, friends and family visiting from Scotland, small group meetings, and annual Christmas parties. At this stage in our lives, it's a bit more difficult to go out in the evenings when Miss G's bedtime is 6:30, so it makes perfect sense to invite people over instead of making plans to meet at a restaurant. Buying something already made at the grocery store may not sound as charming as a homemade treat, but it's the best I can do for now, and I'm perfectly fine with that. What matters to me is that our friends feel at home when they visit.

And, really, I think that's what hospitality is all about. Forget about the fancy desserts or the entertaining games. Hospitality is simply about making others feel welcome in your home.