Mom Heart Moments #133

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHILDHOOD memories is of the parties my parents hosted in our home. It was not unusual for us to have over a hundred people at a time for celebrations. We just opened up our whole house —the den, living room, dining room, kitchen, porch, yard —almost anywhere my parents could find room.

The week before a party, my mom and dad would put all of us to work. The boys would mow the yard and pick weeds and make everything outside beautiful. My mom and I would clean the house and begin cooking. On the day of a party, we would have to dress in our very best, and then we were instructed in how to greet guests and ask them interesting questions. We were also sent out during the evening to offer trays of cheese and crackers or cookies or deviled eggs or mini-sandwiches.

We grew up with lots of unusual people and learned somehow to love and enjoy the company of people of all different ages and personalities. My mom had come from a Southern home where people would put shared dishes on a table (potluck style) and stack plates high, then spread the love with adults sitting on chairs and porch swings and kids sitting on the steps or floors. In the South, in her little town, welcoming friends was just what you did.

My mother passed on the heritage to me. I sometimes have time to plan, and get to clean up everything ahead of time, but other times I just straighten a bit and hope no one will notice the dust!

Have you learned to enjoy offering the gift of hospitality in your own home? Think about choosing a date in the future, and plan a time to invite your friends to enjoy one another’s company!