A Season of Welcome
By Susan Aikens
Welcome to our very first Hospitality Corner!
Looking back, I remember being stressed out big time if we were planning a dinner or party at our place. So much so that I really did not enjoy the actual dinner or party because I could not be present in the moment! I was spending too much time worried about the details and did I get it all done correctly? Each month we’ll gather here to discover simple, practical ways to make our homes places where God’s love is seen and felt. Biblical hospitality isn’t about having a perfectly decorated house or serving an elaborate meal. It’s about opening our hearts and creating a space where family, friends, neighbors and even unexpected guests experience the warmth and grace of Christ.
As September arrives, we notice the gentle changes of the season. School days are upon us, and Penn State Football season is here! The days become a little shorter and the evenings a little cooler (sweaters, sweatshirts and flannels). Our hearts naturally begin to gather closer to home. Fall reminds us that home can be a place of comfort, rest and welcome.
COZY WARM LOVED
Hospitality begins with those who live under our own roof. Before we open our doors to guests, we can offer kindness, encouragement and attentive love to our spouse, children, or anyone who calls our house home. When our families experience grace and welcome within our walls, our homes become a reflection of God’s heart.
Little things matter because the people in your life matter. We simply want to prepare a place where our loved ones and friends can feel comfortable, cared for and at rest. But first things first—I like to put summer away and do a nice deep clean before getting out my Fall décor. Starting with a clean slate is always a good place to begin.
🍂Simple September seasonal touches:
Set the table with a little extra care, maybe with new placemats, fresh linens or getting out the cloth napkins
Light a scented candle before dinner
Gather a vase of flowers for the table
Gather throws and pillows for coziness
Pumpkins, fresh apples and mums
Baking bread, scones and coffee cakes
Sweeping the front porch and swapping out the Summer annuals/wreaths for a Fall refresh
Turn on some music. Here is my Welcoming Jesus to Autumn Spotify playlist.
Begin every meal with a prayer of gratitude
Leave encouraging notes in lunch boxes or on bathroom mirrors
Display pinecones, acorns and colorful leaves in a wooden bowl
Hospitality is making room – for our loved ones, another person in our home, in our schedule, and in our heart.
What is one small way you can make someone feel welcomed and cared for in your home this month?
THIS MONTH’S HOSPITALITY CHALLENGE:
Invite someone to share a cup of coffee, tea or dessert this month. (Perhaps some hot apple cider and pumpkin bread)
Don’t worry about making everything perfect. Remember that people are more important than appearances. Pray before they arrive and ask God to let them leave feeling encouraged, seen and loved.
