The Art of Hosting

It has been exactly two weeks since I hosted one of my favorite big cousins and one of my favorite little cousins :-). Their time with me in my home was their first visit to my little town – I was so excited to have them here. The weekend was filled with laughter, shenanigans that only a very energetic and expressive 8-year old can deliver, and gratitude. We talked for hours, got out and about in the city, and worshiped together. When they left, my heart was full. 

My heart was full because I’d hosted two people I love dearly in my home. It was full because they made it here safely and I had the opportunity to share some new experiences with them. But it was also full because I love hosting. 

I’ve always known I like having people over; I think some of this stems from growing up in a small, rural town where people were always gathering. As I got older, I developed a growing disdain for large, uninhibited crowds (something I LOVED in my teens and early 20s) and now, noise. And as I’ve matured, I’ve given more consideration to how and where I spend my money.

Hosting in my home allows me to spend intimate time with people I love. It provides a chance to say “welcome to my space.” Hosting allows me to co-create the atmosphere and to direct my resources toward things like healthy food options, decorations, or other “fixings”. Hosting in my home brings me great joy. 

In this season of life I am only able to host small groups of people at a time, which is fine with me. But I do foresee that at some later season of my life, hosting will be a central part of what I do. Perhaps a small bed and breakfast in my hometown; or maybe an annual retreat for women in a rented space; or maybe even a monthly fellowship in my current or next chapter home. I am open to what this looks like and continue to ask the Holy Spirit to guide me in how this will unfold. In the meantime, you’re welcome for a visit (if I know you :-)). And if not, I hope that you too may find joy in the gift of hosting and/or have wonderful places to be hosted. 

Your loving host, 

Sabrina