This new year has been busy and I haven’t had time to properly sit and make my resolutions. I love analysis, resolving to live better, the feeling of a fresh start (recommended reading in this area includes these posts from my cousin Queen Shenaynay at the Beehive and Sprittibee).

One clear idea that has been laid on my heart is embodied in the following verse of scripture:

“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” ~ 1 Peter 4:9

The passage of time has laid many family traditions in my hands and at my door, both literally and figuratively. We host Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other family gatherings now because those who hosted before have either passed on or are no longer physically able. Planning a holiday celebrations is out of my hands: those dates are set. Although I love entertaining, I seldom initiate it because of my inability to attain the level of perfection of preparation (both cleaning and cooking) I require of myself.

Two of the best times we’ve had this year were when friends wanted to get together and asked about meeting at our home. On the first occasion, two couples joined us and everyone pitched in together on the food: one brought spaghetti, one bread, I made dessert. On New Year’s Eve we had planned to celebrate with other couples from church. When our attempts to find a babysitter failed, we were prepared to stay home alone; on a last-minute suggestion, the party moved to our house. We had a wonderful time ringing in the new year with our friends and stayed up talking until 3 a.m.!

Here are pictures from special times we’ve had entertaining in our home recently:

My daddy (lower right) is getting married in April (my mom passed away in March of 2004). My new future stepmother, brothers, and sisters are here in this picture with my husband and I, taken last Saturday.

Here’s one with all of our children, too.

And here is our fun New Year’s Eve. Since I have already been asked about the significance of Bryan’s hand on my tummy, I will mention that I am not expecting. He must have been helping me hold in those extra 5 pounds I added in December!

In the most recent edition of Sheila Wray Gregoire’s Reality Check, she states:

Just look at the size of our homes. In 1950, the average house was 983 square feet. In 1990, it had increased to 1500 square feet. And today, in Canada, it’s over 2000. At the same time, our families have shrunk and we entertain far less frequently. We have bigger homes that we don’t share.

I want to share. I want to practice hospitality without grudging, without over-analysis, without reservation; caring more for the fellowship of friends than the condition of my home (loved this post). If you share my resolution, I encourage you to visit 4 Reluctant Entertainers. Sandy is full of advice, inspiration, and encouragement in this area.