Place

If the places we make are meant to be shared, can we share them even while they are in flux? If we plant a tree to hold a hammock or shade a table, what do we do while we wait for that tree to grow? -Christie Purifoy, Placemaker

Do you, like me, have that tickling in the back of your head that longs to open your home to friends… yet you rarely do? Maybe there’s a new family at church and your kids have become fast friends, yet you hesitate to invite them over for Sunday lunch.

It could be because of logistical reasons: your house is on the small side, there’s drywall dust in the basement, you don’t have enough dining room chairs.

It could be because of aesthetic reasons: the walls you painted two months ago are still missing their trim, there’s a puddle of rainwater right outside your front door, your kitchen still smells like the dinner you burned the other day.

Or maybe you’re just an introvert, like my husband and me. You like the idea of having people over, but actually approaching them and asking is like pulling teeth.

Yet that tickling in the back of your head continues… You DO long for friendship and the chance to show hospitality.

Take encouragement from Christie Purifoy’s new book Placemaker:

Simple food and drink may be the only absolutely necessary components of hospitality. I can welcome others even when there is a hole in the front porch where rain has rotted the boards.

Order the pizza and pull out the paper plates. Light a candle. Tell your friends to wear their rain boots. Borrow folding chairs from church (we actually did this a couple of weeks ago!).

And to overcome the introvert dilemma? Involve your kids. Have your 8-year-old ask her new friend if their family can come over for lunch after church. 😉

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I was privileged to be part of the launch team for Placemaker, and have written all about my journey with this beautiful book over the last two months in this post. Check it out, I’m even offering a giveaway for a few more days!

Five Minute Friday is a weekly opportunity to simply write about one word for only five minutes, and link-up what you’ve written, to connect with other writers.