In Jewish communities, we do a lot of hosting. We host family, friends, and neighbors. We invite new families looking to integrate into the communtiy. We host friends who have had a hard week and need a break. We invite people who don't fit in perfectly. In Judaism, it's a mitzvah (commandment) to welcome guests, especially those who need a place.
As a mom of two little ones who works outside the home, I've thought a lot about finding my groove with this mitzvah. On one hand, my own family keeps me busy enough that I could easily stop there. On the other hand, I have always wanted to have an open home, full of guests, and I can't give up on that so easily.
My solution? (Trying) to balance. I don't host every week, but I host. When someone offers to contribute something to the meal, I enthusiastically accept. I cook food that I like to prepare and eat, and try to accept that there's no way to please everyone.
Most of all, I try to remember that quote above. Just recently, I hosted a friend who lives in a home much bigger and fancier than mine, and I was nervous to have her over. But I told myself--I'm happy with what I have, which is what matters, and I'm sure my friend would rather be invited over than not! And of course, it turned out just fine--wonderful, even.
Do YOU ever get nervous having guests over? How do you handle it?
I am nervous right now because my daughter's graduation is coming up and I will be hosting about 20 family members all from out of town - very nervous! I just tell myself they love me, be calm and plan, plan, plan all the details!
ReplyDeleteSo true--just try to make sure you relax and enjoy it when everyone's there!
DeleteI love that quote! I get nervous about certain people but I have to tell myself that it always ends up enjoyable. I agree with your comment about they would rather be invited over than not at all. I just always want to make sure my house smells good. I'd hate to be the family that has a weird smelling house! lol ;-)
ReplyDeleteHa! I hear that! I think that if you're conscious of smell, then it probably smells delicious!
DeleteOh, I definitely struggle with this! I am an introvert, and I get very nervous being hostess. But it is important to me also to have a welcoming home, so it is something I am always working on. :)
ReplyDeleteSigh...we used to have people over all the time the first few years we were married. Then a little less frequent as families got busy with kids' activities,etc. I only get nervous once a year, when I try to spruce things up for a big open house on New Year's Eve. Other than that, you're welcome to enjoy the home that we LIVE in!
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate! hosting is hard for me, especially overnight guests. I actually blogged about it once before!
ReplyDeleteSince we live in a caravan, we often wonder whether it will work out to have families who live in larger homes -- you know, because they and their kids are used to more space. Hosting in the warmer weather is a plus since it allows the kids to play outside, but the truth is that I can't remember ever having a negative hosting experience because of limited space. Though there IS that family of 10 we keep wanting to invite but realistically can't...
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