Hosting during the worst winter storm in a generation

When I started the *idea* of SAINT MARTHA the one thing I didn't want it to morph into was just another site with picture-perfect ideas for party planning. That's exactly not not the point and besides, I don't do that anyway. The point is to welcome people.

To welcome: put a smile on your face, clear off a place to sit and look people in the eyes to have a conversation. The idea of welcome is making a place for others in your physical space and in your heart. Why? Because every person you meet is made in the image and likeness of God. It's really that simple; but also not an easy task.

To welcome people: In this time of online faux-perfectionism, welcome people in. It's the first step. Just invite them. You can be nervous afterwards and wonder if you have enough coffee, how you're going to find time to clear the kitchen table, or what you'll make (order?) for dinner. The very first step is to invite them for a connection with you: another soul made in the image of our Creator. Who is "people", exactly? People is everyone and anyone. Yes, even your rosary group gal who you are SURE is the next coming of Julia-Childs-meets-Joanna-Gaines and she has to have a perfect house and a stellar career and how do her kids never have peanut butter on their clothes?! Welcome her in. How about your wife's co-worker who has the mildly annoying laugh that you always seem to be cleaning up after? Invite her in too. How about your brother-in-law? Yep. Invite them for coffee. If that seems to much, invite them for a phone conversation. Just invite.

Today, in the midst of my very first post, I'm preparing to host my cousin and his family of 5 during the worst winter storm in a generation. Also, the guest room toilet and shower pipes are frozen, so I'll figure that mess out. The guest room is a mess; we've got a lot of extra things in our house right now due to my mother-in-law's unexpected passing. But I did what I was glad to do: I welcomed my people. And I'll figure out the details as they are necessary.

I think we'll have chicken for dinner, but I know they will appreciate the electricity, the warm fire and the wine that I'll serve. Hopefully they'll feel relaxed, the peace that can only come through a prayer for warmth answered and calm in the (snow) storm.