Hospitality
1. The friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers.
2. The quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.
My husband and I were discussing hospitality or what we have noticed to be the lack of it.
We seem to have lost the art of hospitality. I'm curious why. Do you feel this way too? If not, why?
Do you sometimes feel as though you are never invited anywhere? That no-one ever has you over? Are you always the inviter and never the invited?
Or...Do prefer your alone time. Do you choose solitude over company? Why?
Do you prefer to be the host? Why? Do you enjoy having friends to your home. Does hospitality come natural to you? Are you purposeful in being hospitable?
I would love to hear from you. I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject.
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Monday, October 20, 2008
Hospitality
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9 comments:
Hmmm
Interesting that you would choose this topic, I have been mulling this over a little lately as well.
In the last 2 weeks, we have had a number of invites...but ordinarily, our "dance card" remains quite empty.
I seem to go through stages myself when it comes to having people in. I admit, I am the kind of hostess who really likes everything to be just so....if I don't have time for that, I tend not to invite.
There are 2 problems with this, one is that I have people over less than I would like, the other, is that a type of competition or at the very least intimidation can occur, and lead to an even emptier dance card.
I am still considering inviting people for frozen pizza, to remove all intimidation, but could probably never bring myself to do it.
I am also coming up with some casual themed dinners like a games night, to provide a more relaxed atmosphere, for my guests and myself.
One point addressed in your definition, that I have also been thinking about, is the attitude with which we host or are hosted.
What a difference it makes to go somewhere, and really enjoy yourself, in part due to the fact that your host truly seems be happy to have you.
Being treated in a "warm, friendly and generous way", can make such a difference.
It's also a reminder to me as a hostess, to simplify my preparations; for instance, having as much done ahead...even setting the table when possible, so that I am ready to enjoy my guests and am not feeling pressured.
Great topic Rhonda, can't wait to read other's thoughts.
By the way, you and Mark are terrific hosts.
Great topic!
I used to despise having people over. And it wasn't because I didn't like people-I did! It was the stress I felt having to get the house "ready" before they got to our place!! BUT...my husband was (is) very social and loved having people over. God has really helped me change over the years and I have grown lots to the point that I love having people over now too! I read a great book (many years ago) about the difference between being a host and being hospitable. A host is all about the house being perfect and about the food. With hospitality it is all about the PEOPLE and you making them feel welcomed and cared for.
Even though our house is small we have people in regularly and we all love it.
Do we get invites? Hmmm...well we do get some. But 90% of the time we have people over here.
Sorry, this was such a LONG comment!!!
I tend to "feed" a lot of people... however much of this would be teens or friends of my off spring.
Most weeks we would have someone over for a meal or dessert & coffee. In the past 10 days I've had 3 dinner evenings and 2 dessert & coffee evenings - some with a couple or two - some with some single friends and one evening of what my husband would refer to as a "hen party"(we were very loud).
This would not be the norm for us - not that I haven't enjoyed it but alas the budget has certain limits.
I tend to be host in spurts.
We are occasionally invited to someones home - but more so to join others at a restaurant.
In many cases I think people are just busy by the time they work and run their kids everywhere - and we've made it complicated.
Jen,
Game nights are a blast... Kev and I use to have these 5 or 6 times a year... but have not done so for quite a while... I miss them!
p.s. Jen - I still remember details of the first time our family was to your home... it really stands out in my mind... I recall where you were living, what you served and even details of the conversation.
Thanks for the post Rhonda... I've thought of this topic a number of times this past week... there is a number of people that I have great intentions of having into our home... perhaps this is a nudge from Holy Spirit to stop thinking and start doing!!!
9:19 PM
Oh, I love this topic and I would so much would love to comment, but no time...just wanted you to know this is such a wonderful post. :)
Thanks for this blog; it's a great read. Karyn www.christiancupid.com/blog
This is something I have actually struggled with. Being Newlywed I have recieved many great gifts for our home, and Ry & I have spent a lot of time making it "homey". We have some friends in the city, but not many...and no couple friends. So, it makes for funny week-ends! We have not had ONE week-end to just the 2 of us, in PTBO. It has been great though, having friends up, siblings, and a parent here & there.
What I am trying to say is -- ALL are welcome to come visit, we have every kitchen tool going, and I am excited to learn how to use them! So, company will have to show me. My husband does make a mean roast, and I am learning the kinks of baking. SOOOOO if you are willing to make the drive, we would be happy to host!!!
I am actually not lonely... ahaha we just are excited to be back in Belleville and close to family & friends. :)
Hi Rhonda, I don't think I have to say how I feel about this, ha ha.
We really try to open our home and we encourage others to.
I don't think it's always natural, because some people were never taught! But it's easy to learn and to practice it!
Great post!
Hi! I'm not big on inviting people over but we are starting to more now that the kids are a little over.
I like going to other people's house more than having people over.
Some people have a gift for it, and some like me, just have to learn to practice it. Just like a lot of other areas in the Bible. Bible study comes easy to some and others have to develop it!
Have a great day!
Jen
Great thoughts! I seem to like having people into my home more than going out, but that is just because I like to be in control. I used to get all bothered that we kept having people over and the invitation wasn't returned, but then I realized it was because people are comfortable at our home ... nothing is fancy, lot of room for kid conversation and adult conversation separately etc.
Really, it doesn't matter whether it's at our home or someone else's home or a restaurant, I just like connecting with people. I agree with Holly ... sometimes we get so concerned about how our house looks (I am soooo guilty of that!) that we miss an opportunity to enjoy a friendship.
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