Today's assignment was rather simple though it will take longer to accomplish than I planned. I have a self-cleaning double oven but I can only clean one oven at a time. 3 hrs for the top, 5 hrs for the bottom. I'll do the last one tonight.
We were also to think about hospitality. This is not a thing I really struggle with except as regards time. I had already planned to have a couple of friends over during the next few weeks, if they can handle the heat (we have no a/c). :) I clean as well as I can, but I know I always forget something, whether it's cleaning the mirrors in the bathroom, or cleaning the front of the dishwasher. But I never really worry about it coz I'm just not wired that way. When I go to someone's house I barely notice if there's a mess. I notice the way the person makes me feel. Do I feel welcome & comfortable? Or do I feel that if I (or one of my kids) so much as drops a crumb on the floor the hostess will freak out. I have always tried to have a more relaxed atmosphere in our home...I probably go overboard sometimes. :D
I think the thing I'd like to focus on as regards hospitality is keeping things Christ-centered. This is such a difficult thing in the West and I rarely see it done either in my home or in friends' homes. I pray that I will be able to find ways to do so.
Viewing my home as a God-given tool to be a blessing to others is a VERY new concept to me. I am not naturally gifted at hospitality and it's always a struggle for me. Not so much because I'm worried about how my house looks or what we'll eat, but just because it interrupts MY plans, MY day, MY routine.... So you can see why I need to practice it a little more! ;)
ReplyDeleteI had actually planned to have a friend over for coffee this afternoon, but I developed a very sore throat yesterday, felt worse today, and ended up keeping one daughter home from school because she has a weird rash that seems to also be virus-related.
But I am really loving this challenge and I like how it's not only getting my home cleaned up, but working on my heart-attitude, too!
No doubt having 5 boys makes you become VERY relaxed by default!! I often think it would be nice to be "wired" to be more mellow ... having 3 kids though (and a husband!) has helped me let go of the need to be "perfect"! :)
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