Last night I was blessed to have friends gathered ’round the table. Long after supper was finished and Husband and the Littles went to bed, we were still lingering in conversation. Conversation that went from 0 – 90 mph in about 2 seconds flat. We talked about family, marriage, and motherhood. And, identity. Fear. Insecurities.We shared our Big God Dreams. Naturally, as women folk tend to do, there were some tears, but the joy that surrounded the table was contagious. We’d probably still be talking if time zone changes and an inherent need for sleep hadn’t prevailed.
My friend Krista shared at the table last night her passion for legacy. I hung on every word as she shared how God was using her to cultivate deep roots in relationships, family, and life. One of the many ways Krista encourages families is through her Meaning in a Minute ministry. Given her crazy season in life raising four children, Krista has found meaningful ways to stay connected with the people in her life. Krista is creative, encouraging, meaningful, and super fun. Be sure to visit her today, and take a DARE!
I’m honored to have Krista as a guest at the table today. Both at my real life kitchen table and right here at our larger communal gathering spot!
~
There was a time when hospitality was my middle name. My kids and I baked people cookies, helped weed neighbors’ flowerbeds, held dinners and bible studies in our home, and hosted play dates for young moms with strong coffee and a creative craft for little hands.
Fast-forward 5 years and my own family is screeching in every day of the week to have dinner together at 7pm after soccer, football, and guitar lessons. Most days we are thrilled we all made it to the table. To add someone else to our chaos seems impossible. During this season, hospitality has, at times, felt more like a burden than a joy.
The conversation with my husband goes something like this:
“Can we have a family over?”
“When?”
{Looking at the calendar} “Next month on our one free night.”
“No.”
{Sigh}
So is hospitality on sabbatical while our kids are in the heart of their growing up years? Or does it just change?
To answer that question, let’s look at the elements of biblical hospitality:
- Hospitality invites strangers into the home (Gen.18:2-8; 19:1-8; Job 31:16-23)
- It allows people to share in your abundance (Ruth 2:2-17)
- Hospitality meets basic needs for people (Isaiah 58:7, Deut.14:28-29)
- It provides a meal, which symbolizes a bond of intimacy and friendship (Mark 14:17-26; Acts 2:42-46)
I’ve decided that I can do all of these things by taking hospitality on the road!
When I am at a hotel for a soccer tournament, I can make my room a place where kids and parents come to have snacks, fun, and fellowship. Why not set up a hot cocoa table on the sidelines for both teams at a cold, Saturday morning football game? So many of the families we find ourselves on teams with are strangers to us. It is actually easier to entertain strangers in this realm than it is in the four walls of my house! And how about inviting the kids’ friends over for a big meal? Or hosting the team for a post-game dinner?
Hospitality is a natural in this season if we change the mental image of what it should look like. It is a mindset of open-hearted living toward those who are in our midst. It’s about loving people well through an attitude of service. I can do that in the gym, on the sidelines, or running carpool!
Those cookies I baked and the flowerbeds? Someday I’ll get back to that. For now, we’re on an RV trip with the sports’ teams traveling to outrageous hospitality.
Day #18 Table Talk: What is one new way you can offer outrageous hospitality in your season of life?
It is so wise to consider seasons of life in all of these things. Some seasons mean we need to scale back so our family gets the best from us. Other times, we can go all out in our service to those outside our homes. My husband and i enjoy an empty nest and a scaled back schedule, with more flexibility for practicing hospitality with those outside our family. Thanks so much for this wisdom!
I so agree Deidra! It’s a dance, isn’t it? I love that you are seeing the opportunity in the empty nest phase for greater hospitality — that inspires me!!!
I totally sympathize with the one free night in the month. Life does move at a fast pace with teens these days. Filled with good things, but…. I love that idea of taking hospitality on the road – I can do that!
Maggie –
I have been praying for you and your daughter!!! I’m so sorry that happened ;( Next time we will meet face to face. I just know we’d have so much to talk about! Including hospitality on the road 😉 HUGS
love it KG! the prism…looking at new ways to do old things. you are always modeling the gift of loving others WELL. so blessed to share the table with you ladies on a big God dream night! on any night.
… shares the abundance. And yet so many times I feel like I’m running on empty and have nothing to share. But oh, I do. I want a hospitable heart.
LOVE this Krista.
You know, friend, this makes me think “why not take this and extend it to the workplace?” When I bring in muffins or hot cider and put it in my office conference table, is this not extending love and hospitality where we are planted? What an excellent reminder to do this more often, and with a broad open heart.
As I was reading your post, I kept nodding my head. My house was always filled with people when my children were younger. Now their activities keep us going for 12 hours straight or more. I also learned to bring a bit of hospitality with me as we go to games or watch a show at school. It makes any venue feel a more friendly and homey.