Wednesday, May 18, 2005

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.

2 comments:

Shannon said...

I know just what you mean about hospitality. How I wish I had started practicing before I had kids when there was money to spend and a nice clean house to invite them to! But I just started studying the Biblical idea of hospitality last year and really felt called to jump in. I'd love to hear some of your ideas about saving money in this area. And I liked the link:) I have to agree with her - I love good food and I love to cook, but "foodie" just sounds so snotty, you know?

Meredith said...

I am going to be looking for some low cost hospitality ideas, Shannon, and I'll try to share them as I find them. We're not a "casserole family"--mostly because my husband's diet precludes a lot of starches in the main course. I am realizing that home made fresh bread is a great thing to serve almost any guest. Even if you can buy it cheaper at the bakery thrift store, the aroma and warm feelings make it worth the effort.