in my previous life, the thought of someone coming over to visit would have caused extreme panic. Must Clean! Must Bake! Must hide all evidence that five messy people live here! the result of which would be you coming into a relatively clean, sanitized house full of stressed out people. i have learned from women older and wiser that this is not friendship or even good hospitality. it is entertaining, and that is someone else's job.
today, i know that my house is not always clean and the children are likely to say something embarrassing but i also know that this is not the most important part. i am not here to impress you. i am here to show love, actively or by just giving you a space to breathe. sometimes, the self control to just SIT with someone, like Mary at Jesus' feet, takes enormously more energy than rushing around sweeping things.
so, come on over. there might be fresh baked cookies. then again, i might be knee deep in flowers. either way, you are welcome!
today, i know that my house is not always clean and the children are likely to say something embarrassing but i also know that this is not the most important part. i am not here to impress you. i am here to show love, actively or by just giving you a space to breathe. sometimes, the self control to just SIT with someone, like Mary at Jesus' feet, takes enormously more energy than rushing around sweeping things.
so, come on over. there might be fresh baked cookies. then again, i might be knee deep in flowers. either way, you are welcome!
It is easy to get caught up in wanting everything to look perfect when we have visitors but as you say, what is really important is showing love and spending time with people. Visiting from FMF#9
ReplyDeleteI like clean and tidy all the time not just when people are coming over but that's related to me being somewhat of a germaphobe. When the lovelies (my 4 daughters) were growing up we did tidy up for guests but with kiddos in the house there's just so much one can do, right? I'd much rather the cookies than a perfect house anyway. As long as the germs are under control. LOL Visiting from FMF Lucky 13
ReplyDeleteFound myself nodding my head in agreement. We are kindred, and your post has blessed me. Glad I stopped to visit. Happy Writing!
ReplyDeleteI love hosting people but I have let my worries about what people would think about our house to prohibit me from inviting people over. (It's a rental and our land lord hasn't been very proactive in the upkeep.) Recently I've been deeply convicted of my attitude. Many people in the world would love to live in our house. I've worked on changing my attitude from being critical of my home to being grateful for what we have. It doesn't matter what the outside looks like as long as love, laughter, and a listening ear abide in the dwelling. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes! Mercy, I can relate. Great point to keep in mind.
ReplyDeleteThink we'll drop by. You sound like our kind of people.
ReplyDeleteAnd please feel free to stop with us for a bit. Bring earplugs, though. We have a sanctuary for abandoned and abused dogs, and their greetings to visitors can be a mite enthusiastic.
#1 at FMF this week.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/05/your-dying-spouse-315-victory-fmf.html
Oh, I can relate! But it can be quite nice to have others get a glimpse into our true lives.
ReplyDeletethank you so much for the comments, y'all! i was checking the wrong email and just now saw them. God knew i needed the encouragement now, in September.
ReplyDelete