Paper plates and folding chairs...

Most often, the very best hospitality results when we are spontaneous and simply invite someone into our less-than-picture-perfect space and time. I keep a steady supply of paper plates and folding chairs on hand for just such occasions.

Yes, it’s rewarding to plan a gathering and have it come off the way we hope for birthday and anniversary parties, wedding and baby showers, retirement celebrations and the list goes on. It’s surprising how heart warming it can also be to watch as things just fall into place when people gather without seeing it coming at all. I want to invite those opportunities as much as possible. I had to let go of my tendency to believe everything had to be just so in order for people to enjoy themselves and have it be worth while. Having a large family that keeps on growing and wanting to capture every chance to enjoy them lends itself to letting go of those tendencies - or maybe having them stripped from you. I won’t complain. It has made me a better person.

I would rather surround myself and my family with the kind of people who feel at ease joining us right inside our little bubble of chaos. On my wall there is a crafty wood hanging that my mom made years ago and gave me as a gift. It says:

                                                   Come In

                                                         Sit Long

                                                            Talk Much

I want more of those moments, so many more.