I have a few friends who, each year, choose a new virtue to highlight and work on in the year ahead. I first heard about this last year, but couldn't decide on anything in particular. Really, I was so overwhelmed the only virtue I could come up with was survival. OK, so it isn't exactly a virtue, but it is about all I could hope to work on at the beginning of 2012. Leila at Like Mother, Like Daughter, had a wonderful New Year's Resolution post that was perfect for me last year. But this year, I think I am ready to think about a little more than meals and laundry.
As I thought about various virtues, I quickly realized that hospitality is the virtue I should work on this year. I am not a natural entertainer. I do not easily invite people into my home. Inviting people over used to be a huge, scary thing for me, likely to send me into torrents of anxiety at the merest thought. Thanks to the gentle urgings of my husband, who likes to have people over, I've managed to move beyond paralyzing fear, but it still isn't something that comes easily for me. I'd like to reach a point where having people over is an easy and natural thing to do, and I think this is achievable. To that end, I'm making a promise to myself to develop in this virtue by actually having people over, frequently and regularly. And, being who I am, I'm planning on doing some reading about the subject too. Anyone have any suggestions?
Amber, this is such a surprising post for me to read, because I have always thought that you do hospitality so well! Whenever I'm at your home I feel relaxed and happy (and don't usually want to leave!) we always have nice conversations, and you move around naturally between kids, making tea or lunch or whatever, and sitting and talking. The same holds true for the larger gatherings - you seem so peaceful and treat everyone with welcoming gentleness. I guess what I'm saying is - go for it! But also realize that you're actually very good at hospitality already.
ReplyDeleteAnd now I'm wishing that I could come visit right now. :)
I wish you could visit too - or I could visit you and bring your family meals and clean whatever you want cleaned. :-)
DeleteI'm glad you have enjoyed being here and that you think I do a good job at it. You and your family are very easy to have over! I really appreciate your encouragement!
This is a huge virtue for me! I'm so happy you are trying it out. It's really needed in today's world. All I can say is that it feels like hospitality has disappeared overnight from American Society. Whatever small steps you do are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI do some readings for the monks that practice hospitality--I think the Benedictine's greet every stranger as "Christ." Their poverty lets them be very welcoming (opposite our current American thinking). Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, Virginia is by me. They have a website to check out. Try to find some monks in your neck of the woods. Get them to pray for your resolution. Holiness loves company!