Ironic that even though I am passionate about life out in the community, those who know me best would say that my forte is life in the First Place, or home. I love bringing people into our home, sitting down to a good meal, and seeing where the conversation leads. Tonight I had my mom over for dinner and our back-door neighbors in for dessert. I loved watching the various personalities interact. And there were some interesting personalities!
I’ve always felt that the people we invite into our home impact our lives in ways we cannot imagine at the outset. For instance, my daughter invited her small group leader from church home to spend an evening hot tubbing with some friends and snacking on late-night munchies while watching a movie. Before the year was out this small group leader was living in our upstairs bedroom and had become more or less a part of our family. We’ve had pastors and missionaries, neighbors and strangers all come through our door. Each one, I hope, leaves feeling appreciated and loved.
The act of hospitality is underappreciated in the spiritual gift world. In fact, hospitality is under-practiced everywhere. It is in our homes that we connect on an intimate level. In our homes we can choose to be transparent, and our guests can choose to also reveal themselves. A home-cooked meal is so appreciated by the youth staff in our church. And if I really want to have fun I invite BOTH the youth guys and my mom. In fact, mixing up the guests is part of the charm of hospitality. I’ve seen lifelong friendships begin between my guests over my kitchen table.
I recently read the book “Love is a Killer App” by Tim Sanderson. In that book he takes the idea of expressing affection and love in the business world and explains how that simple act can build bridges and meet needs. In the same way, being intentional about loving on the guests who wander through your home can lay down the foundation for spiritual growth in their lives and in yours. So this year I am trying to be even more intentional in creating unique experiences here in the First Place. I know my children won’t always be pulling up a chair to my old wooden kitchen table, and I want each minute of these last months and years at home to count for them and for eternity.
How about you? How do you invite the community into your home? Do you see your home as a refuge? Can a refuge also be used for ministry? Is it an open system or a closed system? Do you have good relationships with your neighbors? Do you know them? Do you want to know them? These are all the questions that I am thinking about tonight as I clean up from my impromptu dessert party. Fortunately there’s one or two pieces of poundcake left…
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Hey Marla. Lovin the blog. we did our first garage sale on Saturday….everything was free )and i somehow earned $41?). but we met so many people. ever since Tim Keller’s message about the burbs vs. the city, we’ve been so convicted about the gated feel of where we live. it was a baby step, but a good one for sure.
keep pumpin out the stories of community around your table…as a 13 year youth pastor, i always said the best picture i can remember of community was that one scene from fast and the furious part 1, where all the various characters in the midst of hostility still gathered around for barbecue chicken… pound cake sounds good too though.
I am one of the recipients of your First Place hospitality. I am comfortable in your home and I especially love that you welcome all of my family. Coffee, The Office and a rousing game of Catchphrase with Reuban and Ephram cannot be topped!