March 4, 2015

Simply Whatever

"Use hospitality one to another without grudging."  1 Peter 4:9

We are called to this ~ hospitality.  It's not difficult.  
Though, it may sometimes be a stretch.  Or, it may stretch us.
Sharing with others is a gift we all can give.

And, it doesn't have to be complicated.
Actually, it shouldn't be.  Everything doesn't need to be perfect, either.
It seems to me that people tend to feel more welcome when things are relaxed.


So, who will you choose to bless?
True hospitality is the act of sharing whatever we have.
Simply whatever.  That's it.

Grilled cheese or waffles will cut it.
A mug of hot tea or coffee will suffice.
It's not about the food.  It's about the fellowship.
Look for ways to be a blessing.

In doing so, you might find the blessing
actually becomes yours.

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another; ...
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."
Romans 12:10 & 13

Do you have an interesting hospitality story to share?
Any words of wisdom or encouragement to spur us on with?
Feel free to share in the comments...I'm all ears.  :)

With Love, Camille

P.S.  There are seasons in life, and if this is a particularly busy or trying one for you,
please know that there is grace and space and time for hospitality
at a later date.  Please do not take this post as a chastisement.  Not at all.
It is only meant to be an encouragement.  Simply and truly.

10 comments:

Muffy Stephenson said...

I remember one time we had a family from church over for dinner. They were a precious family but a bit awkward socially(aren't we all at times). Anyhow, we had a simple bean soup and some homemade bread for supper with an apple pie for dessert. My children had set the table with a tablecloth and our everyday stoneware dishes. She kept exclaiming that I shouldn't have gone to so much trouble. It was actually no different than what we did on a regular basis. They became some of our best friends and we had them over frequently until they were transferred with his job. I am always amazed what the Lord can do with our most meager efforts when we obey Him. Blessings, Muffy

Farming On Faith said...

You are so right~ a great reminder to us all!

Maryann said...

I wasn't always comfortable with having people over, I think when I was younger I was too worried about making things just right. I have learned over time, simple is best. When we have people over we usually make soup or a one pot meal (crockpot meals are always nice) If a meal seems too overwhelming to do having someone over for dessert is fun.
We keep things casual, family style and relaxed. Now having people over is one of my favorite things to do....and I am in the season of life that I have the time to do it
Blessings

Stephanie said...

"It's not about the food. It's about the fellowship." I so needed to read that, my friend. I love having people over, but I must confess that I worry way too much about what I'm serving, if it will turn out, and if it will taste okay.

Thank you so much for sharing this - I will be writing those words down and putting them where I can see them all the time :) Hugs to you!

Laura said...

Greetings from Maine!

Dear Camille,
I just "stumbled" across your blog...and found it to be such a blessing this cold wintery day. I look forward to visiting with you again very soon.

This was such a lovely post about hospitality. You asked about other ideas...we live on a dirt road in a little fishing village on the coast of Maine. Many of our "neighbors" are only here in the summertime...and the very few that are here in the winter are elderly. Because we love to walk, my husband and I keep watch on the houses that are unoccupied during the winter...and stop in to check on those who are here. We sometimes drop off a chowder or hot soup...and have a little visit. It is such a blessing to us!

Have a lovely day! I will be back again to visit soon!
Sweet blessings,
Laura ♥

Camille said...

Dear Muffy ~ How lovely it is to hear from you my friend! Thank you for sharing your heartwarming story of extending hospitality and how the people you had in your home became friends. How often that is the case. What a sweet blessing. Hugs! :)

Dear Carrie ~ It's lovely that you stopped by...thank you for your kind words of encouragement. :)

Dear Maryann ~ I was in the same boat as you as a young married woman...I thought everything had to be perfect. I think family style is the best way to go! I am sure you are a blessing to many. Hugs to you! :)

Dear Stephanie ~ Aww...your words warm my heart. :) I have found that making things I am familiar with when people come over relieves some of those worries. It also makes things a little more relaxed. I am sure you are a lovely hostess my friend. Hugs. :)

Dear laura ~ Welcome! It's lovely to *meet* you. :) I am sure you are a sweet blessing to your neighbours...mmmm...nothing quite like homemade soup or chowder. Hugs to you!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

I enjoy having people to our house. It has been awhile though. I guess I feel I need to get a few things cleared up, house wise, before I do. We have had people over for lunch after church, which is fun. It is simple, usually, just spaghetti and people like that. I will do it again soon. Thanks for the encouragement!

Camille said...

Dear Becky ~ It's such a blessing to have people in...I am sure you are a lovely hostess. Don't worry if your house is a work in progress...it's how it often is for us all. Hugs to you! Camille

Esther said...

Having been on the receiving end of your hospitality many times, I know you practice what you preach! I'm just sad we didn't get together more while we lived closer! Summer, right? You'll come in the summer and let me practice my hospitality skills, right?? ;-)

Camille said...

I have lamented the lack of getting together more in those days as well...I miss you!! But, I am SO glad you are now blogging so I can keep up with you...it's a blessing. You think you can keep me away with an invitation like that?! Love you much! Camille XO