We had a great day today. In fact, we just got home a little while ago! A friend had a birthday party today so we spent the day at their house. There were lots of children so my little ones had a blast running and playing. We enjoyed visiting with friends. The food was so good. And I have never laughed so hard at a hot dog as I did there! (How about you Country Life Girl?) The Guitarman met a new friend who also loves guitar and golf so they had a great time talking golf and jammin (the rest of us got to hear their mini-concert. Wow-wish I had their talent!) The kids all rode horses. I got some great pictures I will post when I get a minute to transfer them to the computer and get them loaded. When the sun went down there was a bonfire and we roasted marshmallows and made smores. Speaking of which, did you know they made caramel marshmallows? Yum!
You know, too many people think they have to wait until they have everything in perfect order before they can open up their home. It must be perfectly clean. Now mind you, I like for my house to be clean when folks come over. But there is a difference between show house clean, comfortably clean, a little lived in, and so bad I wouldn't let the fire department in! As for the food, it's great if you can cook a nice meal. But the food doesn't have to be the focus of it. Gracious, buy a box of premade hamburger patties and toss them on the grill! Or make a big pot of chili! Don't wait until you can grill steaks before you invite people in. Have you ever been to someone's home and you got this vibe of "What are you doing here? And when are you leaving?" LOL Obviously don't wear out your welcome. But make sure when folks come to your home they feel wanted too.
The neat thing about going to this family's house is that they exemplify true hospitality. Hospitality should mean that people not only feel welcome in your home but comfortable when they get there. That is how their home is. There is no need for them to entertain you or vice versa. Everyone just congregates in various areas all around the house, inside and outside, and mingles. It reminds me so much of how my mother-in-law's house was. She was the queen of hospitality! It wasn't because she had fancy teas or gourmet dinners either. She also never felt a need to provide entertainment. In fact, she has been known to go to bed with company still there! And no one minded! But you can bet you would have a glass of sweet tea when you got there. If there were people there in the morning you could count on biscuits and gravy. Entertainment was sitting around the kitchen table talking. People mattered. That is what this family shares. And that is what I hope my home shares as well. :o)
You know, too many people think they have to wait until they have everything in perfect order before they can open up their home. It must be perfectly clean. Now mind you, I like for my house to be clean when folks come over. But there is a difference between show house clean, comfortably clean, a little lived in, and so bad I wouldn't let the fire department in! As for the food, it's great if you can cook a nice meal. But the food doesn't have to be the focus of it. Gracious, buy a box of premade hamburger patties and toss them on the grill! Or make a big pot of chili! Don't wait until you can grill steaks before you invite people in. Have you ever been to someone's home and you got this vibe of "What are you doing here? And when are you leaving?" LOL Obviously don't wear out your welcome. But make sure when folks come to your home they feel wanted too.
The neat thing about going to this family's house is that they exemplify true hospitality. Hospitality should mean that people not only feel welcome in your home but comfortable when they get there. That is how their home is. There is no need for them to entertain you or vice versa. Everyone just congregates in various areas all around the house, inside and outside, and mingles. It reminds me so much of how my mother-in-law's house was. She was the queen of hospitality! It wasn't because she had fancy teas or gourmet dinners either. She also never felt a need to provide entertainment. In fact, she has been known to go to bed with company still there! And no one minded! But you can bet you would have a glass of sweet tea when you got there. If there were people there in the morning you could count on biscuits and gravy. Entertainment was sitting around the kitchen table talking. People mattered. That is what this family shares. And that is what I hope my home shares as well. :o)
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