This is the question to ponder today as we gather at the well. I was stunned that this was the topic question, because it hit home for me today.
Tonight I am having a women's gathering in my home. One of my daughters is starting in a business where she sells merchandise through home parties. I committed to host a party for her to help her get started. So, today my mind is going from one thing to the next, and I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at the thought of 20 plus ladies crowding in my livingroom.
I am trying to clean and make my home inviting. I am baking and thinking of how to make my goodies appealing. I am thinking what I will wear. I am answering the phone when ladies are calling to confirm they will be here. And I am getting a little anxious about it all.
I know that I need to be still and let God calm me down, and I know that I need to start my day in the right way by focusing on Him first. Then he can direct my path and give me peace and make me calm.
I am not all that social, and don't have many large gatherings in my home outside of family. It makes me stressed. I always want everything to be just right, and I fear that it won't be. Do you do this? Or am I the only one that gets all tense when hosting parties?
In the long run I know this is silly. Because all of the ladies that are coming are nice Christian people. They will just be happy to join in and help my daughter by looking at the merchandise and purchasing something from her if they find something that they like. They will chat with the other ladies and have a good time.
Why do I make it a great big deal in my mind and stress out so much? I know this isn't what God wants me to be like. He wants me to be given to hospitality. He wants me to do this with the right heart attitude, and not to stress.
I am going to try to surrender my stress to him, and my fears, and just enjoy the time with friends.
Please say a little prayer for me today, so that I can be a gracious hostess and think less of me,...and more of others. That I will put Him first today and every day.
Ok,...I must get on my knees and pray about all of this. You pray too ok?
Thanks! I'll let ya know how it goes.
Linda ... Truthful Tidbits
10 comments:
I will definitely be praying for you today! I know it will be a great day and you will all have lots of fun!!!
I am the same way though. With 3 girls, we are always having birthday parties and I hosted a wedding shower a few months ago for my brother-in-law. I get so stressed out. I feel my house has to be perfect and any little thing bothers me. I know deep down that others do not notice the things that my perfectionist self notices and criticizes, but I can't help it. It stresses me out so much that if I don't watch it, it makes it hard for me to have fun and just enjoy the day.
I get especially stressed when people are coming over that I don't know. I'm always so afraid of what they'll think, but you know that when I hosted that shower, I got so many compliments on how nice everything looked and how nice my home is. I think we just do tend to worry when there is no need to.
Now, if someone came over right this minute, I would be mortified because my house is a disaster area! LOL
You are such a great lady, Linda, and I know that anyone who gets to spend time with you will think so too. Just have a great time. I can't wait to hear how it goes!
Linda,
It is so easy to all caught up in what we are doing instead of why we are doing it. Remember you are being a suportive mother showing your daughter the love and grace of our Messiah.
You are in my prayers today.
Blessings Always
Linda,
I feel the exact same way. I love to plan parties but I get really nervous when the day finally arrives. I am always worrying about what people think and that's definitely something I just need to give to the Lord. I will be thinking about you today, and praying that you'll feel the Lord's presence. If you wouldn't mind, would you also please pray for me today as well? My daughter Alyssa hasn't been feeling well for the last couple of days and now today I am not feeling that great myself. My whole body aches and it's one of those days that if I didn't have small children, I would just lay in bed all day. I'm also launching the new hat blog and I am very nervous about what people will think. Thanks so much for your prayers Mom.
Thanks also for the Lemonade award. That really made my day. I did actually post about it yesterday, but since I am still new to the whole blogging thing, I don't think I have ten blogs to nominate yet. I'm gonna work on that for sure. Talk to you later!
I will definitely be praying. Although I love people, opening my home up and hosting parties is not one of my gifts. Oh, I'm quick to provide for needs, it's just that parties and thingsg make me sooooooooooooooo nervous. I get anxious and feel like everything is under a microscope. I'm weird like that. Joining you in prayer and praying that you have peace as you prepare for this event.
I will certainly say a prayer as well. Funny...I've found that I get stressed to the point - I rarely have folks to my home anymore! I would say that's a victory for the devil. The Lord certainly does want us to practice hospitality..whether it is our gift or not. I pray you are able to really enjoy the evening - and that it is a blessing/success for your daughter as well. HAVE FUN!
Linda,
I feel the same way you do! I resist having any social gathering at my house because I know I will be a stressed out wreck! But I also know that everytime I do host a party everyone enjoys themselves - and they hardly notice the home - they are there to be with other women and look at the goodies. If you asked any of them I'm sure they would plead with you not to worry about your home because it really doesn't matter - the fact that you are opening your home to them is enough! I said a prayer for you and can't wait to hear about the great time you are going to have!
My goodness, I could have written this....lol. I will definitely be praying for you...Epshesians 3:20 over you and your evening...
Have a great time tonight! God is honored (exalted) by your hospitality! And I am sure you will feel so blessed this evening when you close the door on your final guest! Blessings!
Courtney
Linda, I know how you feel. While I really do enjoy having people in my home, I always want things to be a certain way for my guests.
Is it wrong to want things to be nice for our guests? No, not at all. The thing to keep in mind is that our purpose is not to please men/women, but to honor and glorify God in all that we do.
I will be praying that you all have a wonderful, Jesus-filled time tonight!
Thanks for joining us At the Well today!
Blessings,
Jenifer
Thanks ladies,...for all of your prayers! it is so wonderful to have Christian friends. (:>)
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