I don't know about you, but this photo says to me, "Welcome!" His arms are outstretched and his face (such as it is) is bent toward you with anticipation. I made the mistake of looking at this photo in a much larger format and guess what I saw instead of the welcome? The dirt on the window. Yup, I just ruined it for you, too.
Have you ever welcomed an unexpected guest in your home with an immediate apology for the mess? It's an absurd impulse at best, for it communicates a whole host of things that you may not have intended. For one thing, it's hard to think of a better way to shine a neon light on the state of your house. "Look here! My mess! No, don't look at it!" It also communicates to your guest that perhaps an unexpected visit is an unwanted visit. Rather than feeling truly welcomed, your guest now must spend time reassuring you. Guess where the focus is now? You and your dirt. You and your mess. You and your obsessive desire to make sure that no one ever sees the mess in your life, or at least that they see the current mess as an aberration of sorts. You. Okay, I'm being somewhat hard on "you," since it's really me that I'm talking about.
So what that the laundry baskets are on the living room floor, surrounded by folded clothes? So what that there are books and magazines strewn about? So what that you didn't clean the dishes and wash the counter right away after lunch? Is there dust on the furniture? Are shoes cluttering the entryway? Big deal! I'm not against cleanliness; in fact, I love a clean house. But even more, I love a welcoming, hospitable house. Those who visit are not coming by with a white glove to inspect the house (and if they are, they probably won't be back). Hospitality, true hospitality, seeks to encourage, edify, nourish and welcome those who visit. Don't shift the focus to the dirt on the window.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,
for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2
I loved this and needed this, Lynn! Thank you! I am very guilty for apologizing for messes to unexpected guests...and for running around like a crazy, obsessed, crabby woman whenever I hear that we are getting company and there is unsightly clutter and mess around. I wish to be calm, accepting of life's commonplace disorder and yes, WELCOMING! P.S. I never notice any dirt or disorder in your home...only great conversation and delicious, calming tea :)
ReplyDeleteA friend who doesn't notice dirt or disorder is the best kind of friend to have...thanks, Angie. Stop by unexpectedly some time if you want to see how we really live (and to test my new resolve)! :-)
ReplyDelete