Stability and the Hospitality Dream

This past weekend, my sister-in-law came for a short visit. I was nervous because our home is small and not as clean as it could be, and it has been a while since I’ve had the chance to practice hospitality. Not that I don’t love it, but the opportunities are infrequent.

What did I learn? The same thing I always learn. That people don’t come over to critique my housekeeping skills, (even though I prepare as though they do.) People come over because they want to spend time with me and my family. They are hoping for connection and relationship. It’s simple, really. So why do I complicate it?

Saturday afternoon was spent with the kids having stories read and games played with their aunt while I baked banana bread. We watched a movie in the evening with ice cream sundaes. Sunday afternoon was equally lovely. We enjoyed Panera’s soup-for-a-group for lunch, with some of their cookie treats afterward. Then, tea and a lovely chat. We got to hear all about the missionary plans Josh’s sister was making. We got to hear some back story; the what and the why of her dream. I hope to be able to share more about that in a future post. The time was too short, but we were grateful for all that we had.

This hospitality thing is a favorite of mine. Even if I don’t get to practice much. Even if I fret a little about having things just so for the guests. It is always a soul-filling experience. It is a gift. A treasure. It’s one of the main reasons I long for a house of our own, with plenty of room for hosting. This is one of my biggest dreams. May it be so, in the not too distant future.

In the meantime, I will practice hospitality of heart. While I wait for this big dream, I can still be welcoming to others by making a safe space for conversation, spiritual struggle, sharing of burdens and prayers. Stability is choosing to be present to care for others, and help lighten their load.

If you have something you’d like prayed for today, feel free to share in the comments. I will open my heart to bring your requests to the One who hears and holds space for us all.

Love,


Jamie

 

Read the rest of the 31 Days of Stability series here.

 
Jamie Bagley