Today I want to share with you a struggle I face when practicing hospitality – perfectionism. I have to constantly remind myself that perfectionism works against hospitality.
The two lessons I can think of to illustrate this best are the stories of Mary and Martha…
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 NIV
And the Woman Who Washed Jesus’ Feet…
Then {Jesus} turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Luke 7:44-46 NIV
As we practice hospitality throughout the month of June, my prayer is that we remember hospitality understands that the basic needs of others is most important. There is no room for perfectionism.
Specials touches don’t have to be perfect, expensive, or complicated. It can be something as simple as “listening to our guests” or “washing their feet”!
I will put up this week’s Practice Hospitality Party later tonight. Please know that the intention of this month’s parties is not to outdo one another but to encourage. I love how real the links were last week. I can’t wait to see what you have to share this week!
Until then…practice hospitality!
~Southern Fried Gal
Photo: Courtesy of Mabel Coleman. Fresh flowers and a lit candles.
June 13, 2010
How true. I fight against perfection all of the time. I want everything to be just right and forget that it is the time spent with guests that really matters. I am constantly reminding myself of this fact. Carla
June 14, 2010
You are exactly right. I’ve found that I entertain a lot more when I stop worrying about how clean my house is and making sure that everything is perfect.
June 14, 2010
Hey you! Where’s your linky?? I edited a post of mine to share.