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Heartwarming Small-Town Romances and Thrilling Mysteries

When Hubby and I lived in Boise, we rarely had visitors, and when we did, it was usually our kids. We lived so far away from family and friends that few made the trip. Since we moved into our Rapid City house the end of this last April, we’ve had lots of company. It’s been a nice change.

Many years ago, we invited people over all the time. I didn’t think twice about fixing a big meal to serve. I cleaned my house before they came and didn’t think about it again. I was used to hosting. But after living in Boise for 13 years, I got a little rusty.

I love having friends and family come. I truly want our guests to feel at home and feel well treated. But I get so nervous about my cooking and whether I’ve cleaned enough. I’m afraid they won’t come again if my house isn’t spotless or my cooking isn’t the best. It happened before.

We once hosted a couple from Arkansas who owned a restaurant. Everything I cooked for them was either burned or raw. I don’t know why everything I made was a disaster. I felt so inadequate. Then there was the time I served homemade lemon pie that I’d forgotten to put the lemon juice in. It was awful! I can’t make coffee either. I don’t drink it so I can’t get it right. Through all my flops, my guests survived, but I never forgot how embarrassed I felt.

I’m happy to be getting lots of practice in hosting again. I’m nervous but hope it will all turn out. Hubby helps quite a bit because he cooks as good or better than I do. He cooks meat that’s really flavorful and tender. I can cut up a cantaloupe with the best of them and when it comes to steaming veggies in the bag, I’m tops.

Hosting should be a fun chore. A meal doesn’t have to be fancy to be good. Hamburgers are easy to fix, or in this area, buffalo burgers are even better. They don’t take a lot of preparation with minimal ingredients and ta-dah, you have a meal everyone will enjoy. The best meal we had when our kids were here was a wienie roast in a CCC shelter. Nothing fancy. Just hot dogs roasted over a fire, buns, chips, and pickles. That simple meal provided a precious memory for us.

Most of all, hospitality is about fun. Visiting with friends is very special, especially friends you haven’t seen in a long time. Being together isn’t about how fancy your house is, how dust-free it is, or how extravagant a meal you serve. It’s about being together and tossing about old memories and making new ones.

Being hospitable is all about love. It’s what the world needs more of.

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. I Peter 4:9

Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:1-2

4 Responses

  1. Sometimes when I stay with someone and they have food problems or their house isn’t perfect, I almost feel relieved and more at home! Always enjoy your thoughts!

    1. I feel the same. It’s less intimidating. Besides, when I go see someone, I’m there to see them, not judge their cooking and cleaning abilities. Judge not…. Thanks for reading! I really appreciate it!

  2. I hear you! I don’t like to cook when anyone is watching. I can’t even follow a simple recipe, because my mind is going off in so many directions, and I am so insecure about it. I like to have everything that is possible done ahead.

  3. I love to be a host. I like to cook Never Bake. I also can not make coffee. I love having people over. Come to town

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