Confession, one thing that I do not "do" well is have company.
What brought this glaringly to my attention was that we had several different groups of "drop in" company over a period of about 4 days.
To say that I did not handle it graciously would be an understatement. The company was an intrusion on my well-ordered day, and it frustrated me.
My attitude wasn't very kind, or neighborly. I hope the company couldn't tell, but I was disturbed to find out that my husband could.
So, I've been thinking and praying about how I can avoid a repeat of this situation.
My personality does best with a little preparation to deflect stressful situations. So, my first order of business is......
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Be prepared for company.
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I've watched my mother-in-law put together meals for a crowd with very little warning, and some of her advice has always been "have some easy meals on hand."
You can do this a number of different ways. By keeping some convenience foods in your pantry or freezer you will be able to put together a casserole or pot of soup within minutes.
Another way is to make double of what you are feeding your family and freeze the second pan. I've done this quite a bit lately, and it also helps me when I have a rough day and need an "easy out" for supper.
A third way that I can be prepared is to simply relax about my home and not worry so much about what people think of it. There are four children and two adults who live here, and it looks like it. Most of the company that comes to our house has children too, and should understand.
To be continued
Now, I want to hear how you practice hospitality at your house. Do you have some tricks or strategies that work for you?
