3 Simple Ways to Embrace the Art of Hospitality

This morning, I found myself thinking about the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10 and how it could help me in my quest to embrace the art of hospitality in our home.

In this story, we’re let into an intimate gathering at the ladies’ home with Jesus. Martha (presumably the older sister of the two), works tirelessly while Jesus is there to ensure everything is perfect. After all, he was a welcomed and honored guest–and their good friend.

Mary? Well, she handled the situation a bit differently. Upon seeing Jesus, she also greeted him with open arms. After which, she plopped down at his feet to simply listen to his stories and just be there in the moment with him.

Martha’s Type A, check-the-box nature, was noticeably annoyed when her sister Mary seemed to not have a care in the world. An exasperated Martha was beside herself when she went to Jesus and said “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, ” you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed, or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

What was Jesus saying? Was he saying Martha was wrong for working so hard to make everything perfect for Jesus?

Not exactly.

What Jesus was urging Martha to think about…is where her head was at during his visit. She was a big ball of stress who’s thoughts were obviously not rooted in the present moment. Whereas Mary had an ever-present, come-as-you-are approach to her time with Jesus. Never wasting precious time or mental space making too much of things. She simply paused to appreciate her time with their friend….to embrace the art of hospitality.

What can we as mothers take away from this story?

Well, there’s a lot to unpack…but here are three important things I’ve taken away from this simple, yet impactful story. There are lessons to be learned about how we approach our faith, motherhood, and even general hospitality toward friends and family.

1. In Faith

How do you embrace the art of hospitality when it comes to your time with Jesus? Do you save it for your weekly visit to church or Bible study? Or are you finding ways to incorporate time with God into the little moments of your day? Jesus wants a come-as-you-are relationship with us. Nothing too fussy, structured or planned-like Mary. He wants us to seek him when we’re tired or weary. And also to look to him with joy and gratitude when we experience even the small moments of joy (or glimmers) in our day. When it comes to our faith…we can adapt the come-as-you-are approach that Mary had. To find a time in our day where we can open up our Bible and be present in that moment to truly meditate on God’s word—the way that Mary did as she sat a Jesus’ feet.

2. In Motherhood

As moms, we have been given the most precious gift. Our kids awaken something amazing within us. Helping tiny humans find their way in this world and blossom into the incredibly unique people that God created them to be. How we wish that time would just stop—or at least all other responsibilities would vanish so that we could focus solely on them. But in today’s modern world, not only is that NOT the case.

A lot of times it’s the opposite.

Added responsibilities can feel like the straw breaking the camel’s back. A million to-do lists with the million different hats that we wear. Motherhood in today’s modern world “Marthas” the heck out of us! But it’s in this Bible verse that we’re called back to the heart of what is truly important. When I read this verse through the eyes of motherhood, I feel Jesus bringing us back to was is truly important. It urges me to eliminate the unnecessary, or at the very least, put the most important things front and center in my day. How many priceless conversations are we missing by focusing on the urgent instead of the important? How much of the lives we were so excited to mold, shape and tend to is passing us by while we tend to other tasks?

Sure, some of the mundane is still necessary. But I’ve found that the key to taking control of my time is usually in quick and effective planning sessions for my days and weeks.

3. In Hospitality

Upon first reading this story, I felt this the most. When you really care, the thought of having house guests can feel like a lot. At least, it can for me. I spin my wheels thinking of every way I can make my guests feel comfortable and valued. We appreciate them going out of their way to spend the ultimate gift of their precious time with us. To be in our home to create memories together. But, when they are there…we should do the same. Here are a few small things I’ve learned to do that help to embrace the art of hospitality to honor guests and accommodate their needs, while still allowing me to offer my full attention to them while they are here.

For out of town guests:

1. Prep as much as possible ahead of time. Tidy the home, prep the appetizers and drinks, and take time to meditate and/or exercise to clear your mind before their visit.
2. Get on the same page as a family with what will need to be done for your guest. Divvy up the tasks so that they’re not all falling on one person.
3. Remember that people are there to see you and your family…not to do a photo shoot for Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

For the occasional drop-by:

1. Small, but intentional actions in your routine will help you achieve a clutter-free home, worthy of guests at any time.
2. Keep a secret stash of snacks and refreshments to offer up at a moment’s notice.

If you’re feeling way more Martha than Mary lately, take heart. Different seasons in our lives demand different things out of us. Don’t let the social media posts claiming “You Only Have 18 Summers” tap into that ever-present Mom-guilt. Do what you can, where you can. Cultivate processes, rhythms and routines to keep the everyday tasks from feeling like such an uphill effort! And know that, more than anything, you are God’s child too. He wants you to slow down and enjoy this beautiful life that you were created for.