Deeper Than the Surface

My oldest daughter’s friend came over to hang out with the family.

Now that he knows that I see him as “one of my own”, he’s taking me at my word!

Here is this young man opening doors to rooms that are cluttered to the max.
I want to holler, “Don’t go in there!”, but its too late.

All my catch-all junk…exposed.

My immediate thought goes to, “I wonder what he thinks about the state of that room!”
Moments later, the refrigerator and freezer (that desperately needs to be cleaned out), and pantry shelves are inspected.

I wish that we had more to offer him.

You see, the grocery fairy hadn’t visited our home yet. We came up with a bowl of cereal.

Despite this, I took delight in the level of comfort that he felt in our home.

To make it his own.

In teasing, but somewhat seriousness, I told my daughter that I guess from now own we have to get deeper than the surface of cleaning and picking up when we know that her friend is coming. Not that we “put ourselves out” by doing it, but that its always desirable and inviting.

hospitality quote

I want our home to be safe for everyone that enters.

This means heart-attitude changes for me. I’ve noticed a spirit of resentment with some that have come through my doors (wishing that the doorbell didn’t ring) and that is not right!

I’ve let my need for “things done just so” get in the way of truly loving others…especially, or more specifically children.

I’ve been disobedient in Jesus’ commandment of loving others y’all!

Being known for having a gentle and quiet spirit had somehow been replaced with a complaining spirit.
This is not me!

From being Oh so patient to not taking any junk from anybody.

I’m now seeing with different eyes.

What I’m learning:

  • Keep some food in the house!
  • Clean deeper. De-clutter…or throw out
  • Examine my own life. Clean deeper. De-clutter…or throw out
  • Be attentive to needs and people around me
  • Have open arms
  • Be welcoming
  • Show compassion

“for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me…” Matthew 25:35-36

Living With Sword and Coffee,
Kela