I am beyond excited to introduce you to my dear online friend – Emily Enockson! Emily and I served as co-leaders for a one of (in)courage’s online community groups for single women a few years ago. Emily is who I wish I was when I was a single woman! She is living an abundant life as a single woman through work, ministry, serving, and hospitality. Emily is full of joy and teaches me so much! I asked her to share with you today the importance of hospitality for a single woman and how she does it. So sit back and enjoy Emily’s words! And be sure to check out her blog! She is a wonderful example for all single women!
Last Spring when I moved into a little cottage on the lake, my prayer was that it would be a place of respite to all who entered. God has answered this prayer beyond what I could ask or imagine. Often after I’ve hosted a dinner party or had a friend stay for the weekend, I’ll receive a thank you note. Yet, it feels like I’m the one who has been given the greatest gift. Through opening the door of my home, God has revealed His perfect love and grace to me. When my fresh raspberry scones turn blue or the dishes are piled high in the sink and company is 1 hour early, God gently reminds me that His grace is sufficient in weakness. God’s unconditional love is shown through conversation, tears, and truth spoken in my tiny but lovely living room.
The art of hospitality and homemaking can often be pushed aside until someone is married. However, we are all created for community, to live life along side of people. Single, married, extrovert, introvert, student, or professional –we are all called to pursue hospitality.
1 Peter 4:9-10 says “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied Grace.”
Hospitality literally means “fond of guests”. Did you catch that? Fond of guests, not perfect table linens or scented candles. It can be easy to result to the trap of comparison and invite a new friend to Starbucks, instead of into your home. However, something unique happens when we choose to invite someone into our homes (dust bunnies and all!). I have found that conversation is a little deeper, truth a little more clear and the laughter louder when we are at home.
In this passage we are not just encouraged to welcome people into our homes cheerfully, but to use our unique gifts to serve others. If you have a heart for young women consider hosting a Bible study, or if you are a talented cook invite neighbors over for a delicious homemade meal. Hospitality may look different for everyone, but the common thread is the focus is on the relationship and not the rushing. Friend, whatever season you are in I encourage you to take a step of faith and cheerfully practice the art of hospitality. Remember, the goal of hospitality is not perfection, it’s showing grace and love to each other.
Grace Notes: A few simple times that encourage GraceFull Hospitality.
Invite a friend over for a cup of tea and conversation. Focus on getting to know her more NOT whether your house looks perfect.
Next time you bake something, double the recipe and share it with your neighbors. You never know what God-moments may happen.
At your next dinner party, ask guests to bring a favorite appetizer or dessert. Less time in the kitchen doing prep work means more time with your guests, plus you may discover a new favorite!
Do a quick clean up on Sunday night, you’ll be able to welcome unexpected guests to your home, with joy and peace. Remember it doesn’t have to be PERFECT to be beautiful.
Hi friend, I’m Emily and I blog at www.AGraceFullHome.com. I am a 20-something, vintage-loving, book devouring, midwestern girl who depends on God’s grace daily. I am learning every day to live abundantly for Christ by serving my family in caring for my sweet sister who has special needs and helping start a non-profit nature based respite program for children with special needs. My hearts desire is to encourage women that life does not have to be perfect to be beautiful.
Do you practice hospitality often? Do you like it? What is the hardest part for you?
I want to encourage you to have some girlfriends over this Valentine’s Day! God doesn’t want us to live defeated but to live full of His presence! There’s no reason you can’t have a memorable, fun Valentine’s Day right where you are! Need some tips to get started? Check out this post: Fall in Love with Your Life.
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