Hospitality

Goodmorning Ladies...  How long has it been since you've had a guest in your home?  In the scriptures
christians were challenged to be "given to hospitality."   In our fast paced world it is often a conflict in my mind as to when do we fit hospitality in the schedule?   I think the answer is when it is before you....when the occasion arrises. 
     It is true that some ladies just find it easier than others to have people in their homes but hospitality doesn't have to be complicated.  Simple is best.  A cup of tea and a cookie are enough to bless someone who hasn't been invited anywhere in ages.
     Perhaps you can think of someone you'd like to visit with.  Perhaps someone with children the ages or yours or an older sister that seems to be so full of wisdom.  Invite them over and remember to keep it simple.
    We've had a few visitors lately.  One is a group of 10, a Bible study group we meet with once a month.  We take turns going from house to house.  We have a simple meal together, each one brings a part of the meal so it isn't a real burden on anyone.  When our children were younger we'd bring them too and they'd had a great time playing together in another room of the house.  After eating we sing, study, and pray together.  It is such a blessing and we've come to realize we've been doing this over 15 years.
    In order to prepare I'd clean the areas of the house they would be in, plan a meal, send an email out to let the ladies pick what they would like to bring and I'd be responsible for the main part of the meal and the beverage.  I'd set the table, sometimes with paper plates and we would eat together.   Some of the families set up outside and we'd barbeque.  Others had a small dining area and we'd eat in the living room in a circle together.  The childern had a place to eat together as well and was set up so that spills weren't a diasaster.
    We've also recently had a missionary in our home for a couple of nights.  It was a blessing to talk with him and to hear of his work.  Mostly he just encouraged us in our faith.  The Lord helped me to get the room ready and a couple of breakfasts as he was invite other places as well for meals.  It was all very simple.
    Won't you consider blessing someone this week with hospitality?   The example you set in this will pass along to your children and if they are like mine, they will do a much better job of it! :)