What are some of the difficulties surrounding the practice of hospitality?
Lets say we are speaking of having people into your home for a meal. Here are a few tips;
It is always good to make sure that no one has any particular food allergies...or religous preferences when it comes to eating! We have some 7th Day Adventist friends who dont eat meat, some are vegans...we have other friends who have a son which is allergic to anything corn! This can create a challenge but it is doable. Thank God for recipes on the internet!
Another issue to consider are beverages...some of our friends dont drink coffee, most dont drink soda...ice tea is a good and inexpensive alternative aside from just plain water.
Many of our friends have big families like ours. Paper plates are a big help. Not because we arent willing to clean up, but it makes clean up faster and time is better spent in fellowship than it is in cleaning. If you use paper cups be sure and have a pen available to write names on them.
Another difficulty that arises is if you are inviting over a family with many little ones. Although we have little ones ourselves, ours are very well versed in what they may or may not get in to. Other kids may not know this. And, since we want to spend our time in visiting with our friends, it is best if the parents arent disciplining the entire time so it is ok to make some 'house adjustments'.
One thing we do is close off rooms. A baby gate closing off one hall way will deter all the 2 year old we know and keep the teenagers bedrooms safe from snoopers!
It is also a good idea to put up special or new toys that are especially important. We share without reserve yet it is ok to have special items that dont have to be shared. If my kids are sharing 10 buckets of toys, it is alright for them to put 4 or 5 special things up when we have small people over for the evening!
What are some other challenges to face in having people over and what are your solutions?
Happy Hospitality to you!
Lets say we are speaking of having people into your home for a meal. Here are a few tips;
It is always good to make sure that no one has any particular food allergies...or religous preferences when it comes to eating! We have some 7th Day Adventist friends who dont eat meat, some are vegans...we have other friends who have a son which is allergic to anything corn! This can create a challenge but it is doable. Thank God for recipes on the internet!
Another issue to consider are beverages...some of our friends dont drink coffee, most dont drink soda...ice tea is a good and inexpensive alternative aside from just plain water.
Many of our friends have big families like ours. Paper plates are a big help. Not because we arent willing to clean up, but it makes clean up faster and time is better spent in fellowship than it is in cleaning. If you use paper cups be sure and have a pen available to write names on them.
Another difficulty that arises is if you are inviting over a family with many little ones. Although we have little ones ourselves, ours are very well versed in what they may or may not get in to. Other kids may not know this. And, since we want to spend our time in visiting with our friends, it is best if the parents arent disciplining the entire time so it is ok to make some 'house adjustments'.
One thing we do is close off rooms. A baby gate closing off one hall way will deter all the 2 year old we know and keep the teenagers bedrooms safe from snoopers!
It is also a good idea to put up special or new toys that are especially important. We share without reserve yet it is ok to have special items that dont have to be shared. If my kids are sharing 10 buckets of toys, it is alright for them to put 4 or 5 special things up when we have small people over for the evening!
What are some other challenges to face in having people over and what are your solutions?
Happy Hospitality to you!
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