Have you welcomed an unexpected guest into your crazy life? Often in times of the unexpected we experience life’s most memorable moments.
I was reminded of this while reading Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Anne of Avonlea”.
Anne is preparing for the arrival of a special guest – Mrs. Morgan, a famous author from Toronto. For days before this event, Anne is busy preparing, so everything is perfect! She invites some other friends from her little town of Avonlea so they can meet the guest of honour too.
The day arrives and one calamity after another occurs and in the end the guest of honour was unable to make the trip to Green Gables.
A few weeks later, Anne has a day full of chores planned. One of these chores is switching out “the feathers from (her) old bedtick to the new one… it’s such a detestable task.” She donned her most shabby of dresses and set to work.
Upon completing the task, she heard a knock at the door. Expecting the butcher, the “befeathered damsel” promptly ran down the stairs and opened the door. There stood her friend, Priscilla and two other ladies. You guessed it, one was the famous author from Toronto!
Anne immediately remembered that “all Mrs. Morgan’s heroines were noted for rising to the occasion. No matter what their troubles were, they invariably rose to the occasion and showed their superiority over all ills of time, space, and quantity.”
And so, that is exactly what Anne did.
As the day went along, Anne served a simple lunch and had a delightful day with her guests.
In the end, Anne said to Diana, “I believe we had a much nicer time than if we’d known they were coming and been cumbered with much serving.”
I thought this is so true.
How often do we fuss and stress over making things perfect for our guests. I know I’m guilty of it. I enjoy making a nice meal and creating an inviting atmosphere where my guests can come and relax. I see it as a gift to them.
But then, how many times do I avoid inviting friends over because I don’t have something special to serve or the house isn’t in order?
There is joy in imperfect hospitality. The purpose of inviting people into your home isn’t to display perfection but to show love and acceptance and welcoming. Sometimes it is planned, but sometimes it is unexpected.
Don’t miss out on the joy of a friendship because you are afraid of imperfect hospitality.
Welcome to my crazy life! Come in and sit with me a while.
Reference: Montgomery, LM. “Anne of Avonlea”. 1909, Toronto, Ontario, Tundra Books.
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