The Secret of Refreshment

(Cover art courtesy of Tyndale)

The Secret of Refreshment

“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

– Proverbs 11:25

I love the idea of hospitality, but usually when I say I would love to have people over more often, I follow it with a “but” or a “when.”

“But . . . my kitchen table is too small, my toddler is too wild, my house is too messy, and my time is too stretched.”

Or “When we have a bigger house with more space, my son is easier to manage, and my culinary skills improve” (which really means never!).

Yet I’ve discovered people will almost always say yes when I extend an invitation. They don’t really pay attention to any of the things I’m obsessing over. They come to my home for friendship, laughter, and fun.

The same is true for you, too. Guests don’t care whether you cook a meal from scratch or order pizza, whether they sit at a perfectly laid table or on the living room carpet. It’s about nourishing the soul and not just the stomach.

No one is judging you for the laundry hanging over the chairs, the toys strewn across the floor, or yesterday’s dishes left in the sink. They simply accept them as signs of a full life and a well-loved home.

And even though offering hospitality might sometimes feel like one more thing to do, prioritizing connection with others can lead to times of real refreshment.

So don’t default to buts and whens. And don’t let the fear of things not being perfect prevent you from opening up your life to others now. God will use whatever you have to bless someone else.

Pause and Sift

Make plans for hospitality this week. Invite someone to a playdate with the kids, a chat over coffee, or a meal with your family.

Lord, help me to choose hospitality as a lifestyle right now, not just one day “when”. . . even if things are imperfect.

For more on Anna visit annakettle.com and to pick up your very own copy of her new book, click this direct link here!

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