Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Preparing for the Holidays


We host 2 large parties a year, usually for 150+ around Easter and in the Fall.  I used to get so stressed the day of the party with last minute details until my dear husband simply asked me if my goal was to entertain or practice hospitality?  How I love this wise man.  


Furthermore, I try and read this before hostessing:
“When you entertain, you bring honor and glory to yourself. Showing hospitality brings honor and glory to God.”
“Think about it. Pride can easily sneak in when you entertain. The dinner you serve shows off *your* cooking abilities. Everything is clean and neat so guests are impressed with *your* home and homemaking skills. And, if the evening is enjoyable, everyone assumes it’s because of *your* talents as a host or hostess. Why, all this focus on yourself can lead to an inflated ego if you’re not careful!
"Hospitality, on the other hand, is not about impressing anyone. It’s about being yourself and making your guests feel comfortable to be themselves. It doesn’t matter if you serve frozen pizza or if dust bunnies are scurrying across your floors. Through your warmth and humility, guests feel better about themselves and closer to God for having been there.”- source:
http://www.shelovesgod.com/library/article.cfm?articleid=2793

By no means do I have this whole entertaining versus hospitality thing figured out, it's a journey, one worth examining.  Happy hospitality friends.
Blessings,

4 comments:

  1. That is the cutes table setting and barn scenery! Good luck with your dinner, I would have a major panic attack but that's just me. :) You're husband is totally right and I'm sure it will turn out fabulous.

    runningtobeskinny.com

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  2. Very nice. And thanks for the reminder; I was glad when I found out I had to work for the holidays because it meant I had no pressure to entertain; I get to be "hospitable" at the hospital :)

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  3. Good reminder for me....I tend to get stressed out at the holidays {and I'm not even hosting}. I inherited this trait from my mama. She would get so stressed at the holidays. I'm determined to show my boys joy and not grumpy-mama.

    Happy Thanksgiving, Polly!!!

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Your kind words are such an encouragement, thanks for stopping by