Hoping for Hospitality: The Best Time To Start

"The belief that hospitality is important and the actual practice of hospitality are two different things. Many Christians never advance beyond the theory level."

--Alexander Strauch, The Hospitality Commands

Okay, I'll admit it: I use our frequent moves to avoid entertaining. Shy perfectionists don't turn into gregarious hosts overnight!

The more I read about Christian hospitality, though, the more I am compelled to practice it, even at the stuttering level.

We took a jar of garden roses to the new neighbors down the street on our evening walk, along with a card with our name and number. I invited a job-hunting cousin to come for lunch Friday, despite the fact that my home is a mess and there's no money in my grocery envelope until next week.

I know the only way having guests will seem effortless is by practicing. No better time to start than now, when the weather is lovely and we can dine outside--at least, until the mosquitoes hatch!



Postscript: Here's a interesting post by Kaetchen, who argues against the "foodie" list of high-cost suggestions and entertaining. She has some down-to-earth suggestions we can all enjoy.