The Benevolent Pineapple

When I was a little girl, my mom had two brass pineapple statues at the entrance to our house. She had a pineapple trivet in kitchen. She had a pineapple door knocker and finials on the bed. Seeing a theme? Too young to understand their relevance and symbolism, pineapples would eventually become the logo of my life.

In case you're unaware of the meaning behind pineapples, other than their sweet and juicy deliciousness, let me fill you in quickly. Some theories suggest the Native Americans started placing pineapples outside their huts to welcome visitors. Other theories say it was Caribbean islanders or New England Sea Captains. Who knows, really? The point is, pineapples have long been a symbol of hospitality.

My mother is the embodiment of hospitality. She (very regularly) hosted dinner parties, ladies' nights, neighborhood functions, barbeques, etc. Rarely a weekend went by that we did not have someone to our house. And people loved coming to our house. My mother is a personified pineapple.

So obviously, I learned at an early age how to be a gracious hostess. Like most little girls, I wanted to be just like my mom when I grew up. Well, maybe not during my teen years. Sorry, mom!

When I got married, it was important to me that my husband and I have an open door policy. I wanted to have a home where friends felt like family when they visited and where family felt like they had a home away from home.

You're probably wondering why I'm writing this post. Hello, it's not the 50s and 60s anymore! Besides the fact that I love pineapples and dinner parties, I've noticed a serious decline in my generation's (30-somethings) ability to open their hearts and homes to others.

People in my age group seem to maintain the idea that their home is only for themselves. It is their sanctuary and place of peace. That if their house isn't Pinterest perfect or so clean you could eat off the floors then they can't open their doors to others.

Friends, hospitality is not simply inviting people to your house. It is more than the once a year party you throw for friends and neighbors. Hospitality is standing there with open arms offering yourself as a place of love and refuge for others. The Bible instructs us, as Christians, to show hospitality.

"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling."

1 Peter 4:9

"Share with the Lord's people who are in need.Practice hospitality."

Romans 12:13

"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."

Hebrews 13:2

Now, I get that your spiritual gift might not be entertaining people. Maybe you're shy and reserved. Maybe you're a terrible cook. Maybe you have toys strewn all around your house (I'm in that club).

SO WHAT!

God doesn't care about that stuff. God doesn't care that your baseboards have dog hair on them or that you have dishes in the sink. God wants you to practice hospitality. Ever read the parable about Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-41)? Lehman's terms, the girls were sisters. Jesus visited with them in their home and while he was there, Martha never stopped worrying about the housework while Mary enjoyed His company. Jesus took notice and called Martha out about it.

What if you miss the opportunity to talk with angels because you are so busy all the time or you're too worried about what others might think of your house? The easiest place to serve others should be right in our very own homes. Our homes should be an extension of our hearts. And if our hearts truly love the Lord, the issue is moot.

Let me be clear and say that I'm not suggesting you ask every stranger you meet or every friend of yours to come over for dinner. Nor am I suggesting that the only way to serve others is by throwing parties. It doesn't require a four course meal to practice hospitality.

What I am saying is that when you know someone is having a hard time, invite them over for a cup of coffee. If you're missing a friend, invite them over for lunch. If you are struggling to find a bible study to plug into, start one in your home.

Pray for God to help you become more hospitable.

Now, there's a second part to this equation. If you're on the receiving end of an invitation, don't be hesitant to accept it. Don't keep your schedule soooo full that you can't socialize with friends and family.

When you're in the busy season of life where kids have sports activities, doctors appointments stack up, family obligations overrule everything on the weekends, it's time to take a pause. Spring clean your planner. Evaluate what is most important and what you can occasionally cancel. Leave yourself some wiggle room to ENJOY LIFE! I mentioned in a previous post it's good practice to budget your time and this is a perfect example. Much like a financial budget, allocate some of your time to "heart health", "spiritual health", or "friendships".

"A friend loves at all times..."

Proverbs 17:17

God blessed us with friendship. He places people in our lives to enrich us, bless us, and be a blessing. If you struggle with deepening friendships, practicing hospitality, or having the free time to accept invitations, I encourage you to PRAY ! God will hear your prayers and provide you with the tools necessary to be more Christ-like! I'll pray for you too, friend!

Now, who wants to host the first ladies' night?!?

Blessings,

Anna

#hospitality #friendship #home #serveothers