Questions to Encourage This Delightful Investment
Running up the stairs of my childhood home, I instantly flashed back to the many times I ran this route from the basement to our kitchen to grab something for my friends. My parents practiced hospitality for as long as I can remember and they allowed my brother, sister, and me to do it as well.
My mom’s specialty was called a “big cookie” and she probably made 1,000 over the decades of hosting families and teens. As sweet memories came flooding back, I realized my parents taught us hospitality through experience. I hope to do the same with our daughters.
I can remember every home I’ve been invited into: play dates from my childhood, college “family” dinners with friends in tiny apartments, game nights as a young adult, and potluck dinners with families in our current phase of life. Each invitation leads to a highlight of the week. I want to offer invitations that become the highlight for others!
Have you ever paused to ask the Lord to help you reflect on the most meaningful times of your day, week, or even year? Whenever I do this, “relationships” are my repeated answer. Any investment in relational connection pays dividends now and in the future. It’s not only enjoyable in the moment, but it’s also beneficial in later moments when I reflect back on those connections. This provides a taste “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 NIV).
One way to foster connection and deepen relationships is through hospitality. Hospitality is a worthwhile and delightful practice, both for us as adults, and for our children. If you need practical tips or inspiration, don’t miss these fun episodes. These have become life-changing for me, and I pray they do for you as well:
168. Experiencing Joy, Connection, and Nourishment at the Table with Abby Turner
178. Fresh Take on Hospitality with Jaime Farrell
Special Patreon Release: Making Your Home a Place of Love and Peace with Devi Titus
236. Stories Series: God's Power and Light with Jaime Farrell
251. Wintering and Embracing Holy Hygge with Jamie Erickson
And to get you started planning for how to apply this biblical command and how to train your children in the same way, check out the questions below. We feel cherished when we are thought of and planned for, as it reflects a greater reality of what Jesus is doing for us. (See John 14:1-4, NIV.) Love is communicated through hospitality. Everyone loves to be invited! I hope the Lord nudges you to extend an invitation today, and I pray you respond to this request with delight!
“The Son of Man has come eating and drinking,” (Luke 7:34a AMP)
Because hospitality often includes food and drink, may I recommend mom’s big cookie?
Big Cookie
1 stick butter (softened)
¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
3 TBL white sugar
1 egg
1 and ½ tsp vanilla
1 and ½ cup flour
¾ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
Beat all ingredients above together, then stir in 1 cup chocolate chips.
Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes, depending on the oven. (We prefer it slightly underdone.)
Enjoy!
Love always,
Laura
About The Savvy Sauce
Practical chats for intentional living
A faith-based podcast and resources to help you grow closer to Jesus and others. Expect encouragement, surprises, and hope here. Each episode offers lively interviews with fascinating guests such as therapists, authors, non-profit founders, and business leaders.
They share their best practices and savvy tips we can replicate to make our daily life and relationships more enjoyable!
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