There is one thing that I said I was going to change this year. It kind of goes against my grain but I want to improve in this area. I want to start inviting families over to eat with us on Sundays. We have quite a few families that drive a long way to come to church. My husband has told me he would like to invite some over for lunch. I always say "when I get my house done."
A couple weeks ago he told me that again. My answer ~"when I get my house like I want it." His reply was, "the way you like it we will never have anyone over." I know, I try to be too perfect. When the girls were still home and we were to have someone over I would clean like crazy for two days. One day one of the girls told me that I was not going to entertain the President or the Queen of England. These are human beings just like we are.~ They were right!
So I pledged to do the best I can in the house and bite the bullet and start inviting. I think I must have surprised Silas when I told him to invite for this coming Sunday. It is a family with five children. I know I will do fine. I'm not a big conversationalist, but Silas makes up for that. He is never at a loss for words.
It is bad to want to be too perfect. I know the Lord will help me as I put forth the effort. I don't look at people's homes when I go somewhere. I guess it is just a hang up that I have. I need to remember that they probably aren't going to look at my home. We are doing it for the fellowship.
Do you have a hang up!
13 comments:
What a sweet idea. I know that as our family grew, we received less invitations. I completely understand though. It's far easier to have 3 or 4 people over than it is to have 8 :-) I'm sure this family and others will appreciate you so much!
Blessings,
Marcia
You sound like me -- I always feel like my house must be perfect and the food must be exceptional. But, really, it isn't necessary, is it? Hope you can do this. I would love to start doing that. Years ago, loads of Christians would have people home for lunch/dinner after church. Now, most people got to restaurants. We live quite a ways from our church, so find it hard to have people come.
I was so much like that...and maybe still have a little of the "perfection syndrome"...I know that a clean house is not as important as I always made it...What's important is fellowship with others....Love One Another....that's what Christ instructed us to do....I don't remember Him saying anything about cleaning house first....that's what I tell myself whenever I think of putting off a visit with friends/family just because I havent' vacuumed....
It is hard, but I think it's important, too! The "art" of hospitality seems to be dying... and that's really too bad. So, yay for Uncle Silas for encouraging you to do it! I'm sure it will be a blessing to both you and your company!
I can so relate to this! i do the same, cleaning like a crazy woman when I know someone is coming...but if you saw my house you'd know why! LOL
You are so thoughtful to invite a family with 5 children. They will so appreciate you...I know I would.
Just a thought...someone with 5 kids will probably appreciate it if your house isn't perfect...she may worry about her kids messing it up!
And, I never feel comfortable taking children over to a house that is too perfect. My kids are really well behaved but, they are kids. I'd much rather go to a house that is a bit messy and lived in. Relax about your house and tell them "If you want to see me, come on over, if you want to see my house, make an appointment!" That's what I say and our house is always full of people laughing and making lots of good memories.
Thanks so much, ladies, for the encouragement. I know I will do it now. Maybe we can start the tradition again. If any of you try it, let me know.
Hi, Aliene! Thanks for visiting me at my blog. I love this post, mostly because I totally relate to you! I have to fight my own nature that wants everything perfect. Nothing will ever be perfect (in this world), and "generally clean" is okay!
Thanks for sharing this!
Blessings,
Christine
I think that is a great idea! We are a family that drives almost an hour to our church so we stay there all day on Sundays. I think to get an offer like this would be wonderful. I have 5 boys though so I would be nervous too!!
We are so much alike sweetie. I was always wanting to be perfect, and all things around me to be perfect,it makes everyone around me miserable, God showed me how imperfect I was, and if not for him I would be such a failure.
I love folks now, my home is sure far from perfect, but here is perfect love there, and all who come in are made to feel important and special, pretty dishes and fancy drapes are not the answer, love is the key to all happiness, I am so glad Jesus shared that love with me. Invite as many as you can, and they will love being invited for sure.
Good for you and don't make excuses about what is wrong and no one will think to notice. Enjoy the visit!
Oh yes, I have some hang-ups....but I don't want to BOG your blog down listing them! We have a family of 5 that comes to our house almost every Sunday for lunch. One day we had a line-up of starches. Bread, mashed potatoes, dumplings with a little chicken and some kind of dessert. We still laugh about it. You can even fix beans and cornbread for guests........served with a confident smile!
(we used to be a family of *8* and most people were afraid to have us over......my kids NEVER minded sitting on the floor or using their lap as a table)
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