As September rolls on in, two of my favorite things roll in with it: Friday night lights and Saturday morning cross country meets. I just love those crisp early mornings and that quintessential “fall feeling” I get as I race around the cross country courses cheering on my kids! But over the years, I’ve also come to really love attending our hometown football games. Not only has our team been very successful the last several seasons, but there’s something nostalgic and slightly magical about watching games in the historic downtown stadium.
While the game itself is always a good time, what I really love about home games is hosting a “tailgate party” beforehand. A few years ago, my husband came to me with this idea. He said, “Now that our kids are getting older, I think it would be fun to host a pre-game meal here for their friends and ours, then walk to the stadium together.” Since the stadium is about a 5 minute walk from our house, I thought that sounded like a great idea! But I have to admit- the thought of hosting was a bit intimidating.
I love our home, and it completely suits us as a family of four. However…the layout of our home is not exactly designed for large groups of people. And our kitchen? Well, it could use some major renovations. All of this gave me a moment’s pause. I wondered if our home was sufficient; if people would enjoy gathering here; and if anyone would secretly judge the condition of the kitchen.
That’s our human nature, isn’t it? To postpone hospitality and hosting on account of the fear that our home (or material possessions) don’t quite “measure up?” Thankfully, I agreed to my husband’s awesome idea, despite my secret insecurities! The result? Over the last 2 years we’ve hosted 10 gatherings with wonderful friends, sharing fantastic food and fellowship. The kids have enjoyed playing countless yard games, and everyone has gone away from these parties joyful and grateful for the time together.
With the season of tailgate approaching, I found myself reflecting on the last two seasons. And something occurred to me: The kitchen had not hindered friendship or fellowship- only my pride. And the price of laying pride aside has certainly been one worth paying.
Many times over, Scripture encourages generosity and hospitality (1 Peter 4:9, Titus 1:8, Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:16). Nowhere does it say this includes having a large or perfectly tidy house, the best tables and chairs, or classy decorations. What it does encourage is sharing what we have in love, both with friends and family, and anyone in need. Hospitality then is a matter of the heart, a demonstration of openly sharing our lives and homes with others.
I encourage you- and myself- to cast insecurities and pride aside, and to consider how opening our homes could benefit and bless others. How might you be generous and hospitable this season?
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