Living With an Open Door

I grew up in the south.  Some would say the “deep South”.  A small town in south Georgia where hospitality is shown at its finest.  This was a place where ladies like Mrs. June, Mrs. Merle Mrs. Marguerite, or Mrs. Carolyn, with southern names and southern drawls, would open their homes frequently for parties, dinners, or friends.  This was a place where half bathrooms are called “powder rooms” and the choice for sweet or unsweet tea was never an option. (There was no such thing as unsweet tea!) There was homemade pound cake, cheese straws, and the best peaches in the world.  See my previous peach post for my favorites.

I learned growing up what it looked like to live with an open door and welcome people frequently for a meal or a visit.  What I understand now is that hospitality had little to do with the quality of the food or the place settings or even the tidiness of the home, but more to do with the warm hospitality of the people I grew up around.  

I am afraid we are losing the ministry of hospitality.  Yes, the ministry. The Bible talks about hospitality being a ministry. Hebrews 13:2 We zip into our garages and quickly lower the doors, busy with our own to-do lists and activities.  Seldom do we engage those around us or invite someone into our homes. I fear that pinterest and social media have stolen our desire to open our homes to others.  We look at posts and pictures and compare our homes with others. We think ours are not big enough, not beautifully decorated, not clean enough, our food isn’t instagram picture worthy, and the list of fears go on and on.  

I want to put your mind at ease and let you off the hook by telling you that is not what hospitality is about.  The definition of hospitality is: the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.  There is no mention whatsoever of the type of napkins and silverware to use or whether or not your baseboards have been dusted!  Hospitality just requires you to be friendly and generous in your reception of others. Meaning you give your time and home to minister to others.  Romans 12:13

I have several friends that are involved in the ministry of hospitality, but the first face that comes to mind is a lady named Mrs. June.  She lives in the small, southern town I talked about and is the epitome of hospitality. Knowing I had this topic on my mind, I asked her if she would share some hospitality tips with us.  My only regret is that you can’t sit at her table and taste her homemade pound cake, warm out of the oven!  (no worries…she has shared her recipe with us below!)

Mrs. June’s Hospitality Tips

•  Hospitality is a gift listed in the Bible.  Jesus depended on hospitality as He traveled in his ministry.  Several women are mentioned as opening their homes to him. 
• My mentor in my life was my mother who was the epitome of southern hospitality.  We never knew when we would be sharing our meals with strangers or friends and family.  Our home was open to anyone needing a place to eat. Most Sundays you would find the local pastor sharing lunch with us.  Matthew 25:34-46
• Recalling special times in our lives revolves around happenings at the table.  A favorite memory with our girls is Sunday night pizza after church with lots of friends and family.  There was nothing fancy on the table, but there are fond memories of those who wanted to share this time.  
• My sister and I have often been compared to Mary and Martha in the Bible.  I am Martha and she is Mary. I wanted to be prepared and she spent her time visiting with guests.  I have learned that both are important. It is a matter of prioritizing my time with both.  

• Birthdays are special at our house.  We celebrate by sharing a meal of their choice and a special dessert.  The centerpiece is made of pictures of the honoree in different stages of their life.  
• I always have a centerpiece on my table even if it is just a bowl of fruit.  This says that I was expecting you and you are special.  

• I always have a centerpiece on my table even if it is just a bowl of fruit.  This says that I was expecting you and you are special.  
• My kitchen table is always set with dishes and a centerpiece depicting the season such as Valentines, Easter, etc.  The table says welcome to anyone entering our home. My husband and I set those aside to have our meals and then they go right back on the table.  
• It doesn’t matter what’s on the table or what kind of food you are serving, the most important thing at the table are those who are sitting at the table.  Enjoy the time spent with your guests.  
• Through the years, my husband, Earl, and I have shared our home and meals with friends who did not have family or family who are not nearby.  This in itself is a ministry.  
• As I look back and think of all of those dishes, glasses, pots and pans that I have washed through the years, I know it was worth every minute as my life has been enriched by my service.  I hope people will always remember my gift of hospitality.  

Thank you Mrs. June.  I know that I am not the only that remembers and has been blessed by your hospitality.  

Thank you for connecting with me! Please share the blog with others and subscribe! Blessings, Christa