Practicing Hospitality: Chp 3

Lindsey, from Passionate Homemaking, continues our discussion of Practicing Hospitality this week with chapter three. Find the prior discussions for chapter one and chapter two here.

These are some key points that stuck out to me during the reading:
*Therefore, prudence and discernment are essential attributes for protecting the priority of our family while ministering to the needs of others (pg 76).
*The seven principles stated (pg 77-84):
1. Remember there are seasons in life--what you dream of doing now may not be possible because of the ages of your children, you physical capabilities, the size of your home, etc.
2. Partner with your husband--who better realistically knows your time and ability constraints?
3. Include your children--teach them by doing
4. Treat your family as good as guests--show your family that they are as important to you as people coming in from the outside
5. Keep an orderly home--show your family how you take care of your blessings
6. Use discretion--be wise about who comes in your home, especially with small children
7. Remember meaningful moments--take pictures, write letters, mark special days on the calendar
*Family traditions provide a sense of stability and permanence in our homes (pg 85).

1. How can you begin to practice hospitality to your family?
We tend to remember a lot of the special moments, days, and traditions in our family. Additionally, we make an effort, as much as possible to sit down with our little ones for dinner every evening. It's a little tough with my husband working nights, but even when he's gone, I try to sit down and have a real dinner with the kids.
One thing I could be better about is treating my husband and the kids like guests. Not to be walked upon, but in a way that makes them feel valued. I've always felt like one of the ways that I express love to my family is through cooking for them. Bringing in the little details of a meal will only enhance that extension of love.

2. What are your favorite spiritual, kindred, or holiday traditions?
*Spiritual-I take time each night to pray with each of the kids before they go to bed. Big Boy especially loves our prayer time together as I sit and listen to him talk about his day. We've also memorize scripture as well as attend church together on Sunday mornings.
*Kindred-I have a separate $1 book for each of the kids and every couple of weeks, I'll take a few minutes to write something in it. A letter, something special they said, a prayer request that was answered. One day these will be their's, filled with memories. We also do Saturday morning breakfast. It's usually pancakes, waffles, or a special baked good. Occasionally, I'll meet the girls for breakfast, but I still try to have a meal made before I leave, or all the ingredients available for Daddy.
*Holiday-Holiday meals are traditionally shared with extended family. Although that requires traveling, we cherish the time we have with aunts, uncles, etc. We always take family photos on Easter and Christmas.

Join us next week for Chapter Four: Hospitality and Management.