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Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Open House

O God, I have no way of telling at the day's beginning
Who will come to my door on an errand of business or friendship;
Who will arrive to be my guest in my home or to sit at my table.

Let me show loving care this day in the cleaning of my house, the buying of my stores, the cooking of my meals.
Let me show loving care this day in the tending of my linen, the tidying of my cupboards, the doing of my flowers.
Let me show loving care in the freshness of my person and the neatness and niceness of my clothes.

From the beginning of homemaking in modest tents on the sand, women have served their families, and their guests.
From the beginning of homemaking in simple homes of baked mud, women have whitewashed and scrubbed, and set out their pretty things.
From the beginning of more comfortable houses, with handwoven carpets and furniture of cunnng craftsmanship, women have kept open house.

May Christ be my guest this day.


Rita Snowden - A Woman's Book of Prayers

Oh, Father, please know that I intend to make my home open to You today. I don't have any balloons to announce it, and the sign blew over in the wind, but my home is open nonetheless.

I'm purposing to raise my head from my work today, to keep watch. When You step around the corner, I will be ready, a baby on my hip, a dripping wooden spoon in my hand, a mind fatigued from school lessons. Not the royal welcome you deserve, with the fragrance of flowers on the breeze, but with an open heart for sure.

Whatever form you take; a parishioner, a wanderer, a neighbor, a lonely child who longs to play with my own, I promise to welcome You.

Not all of my home is lovely, but all of it is loved. May I share it with You?

The pots bubbling merrily on the stove? I am filling the refrigerator to feed my men while I'm away. May I fix You something?

The washing machine rocking loudly on its uneven feet? It's full of dirty clothes, coming clean. May I wash Your feet?

That strange smell? Well, please don't ask.

Oh, let me not fall too deeply into my work; I pray to invest myself in the important things going on around me. My children. My husband. My faith. I pray to be ever-mindful of Your arrival; to dive deeper into this day than simply beautifying it in preparation; again, I purpose to raise my head from my work, and take in the gifts that surround me.

Beloved, I am coming. How I long for the greeting of your smiling face! Forget about the mess - it's you I came to see.

Oh, I knew You would come.

Welcome. To my open home.

Won't you prepare for Him today with me?



You are always welcome at my little place - A Path Made Straight

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8 Comments:

Blogger Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

Stunningly beautiful - as always...

Thank you for this reminder to be ever watchful for His Appearing..

Blessings!

Lisa

July 30, 2007 at 10:18 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

Such a lovely post, bless you sweet one.

July 30, 2007 at 11:39 PM  
Blogger Dawn ;) said...

hey ladies,

I love you so much I nominated you for a "thinking blog award." here is the link for details: http://gentleartoflearning.blogspot.com/2007/07/who-would-have-thunk-it.html

continue to do what you do and may the Lord richly bless you.

July 31, 2007 at 12:05 AM  
Blogger Valerie said...

What a beautiful post - thank you!

July 31, 2007 at 1:14 PM  
Blogger Carrie Postma said...

this was a wonderful post. Thank you for writing such a precious reminder and a fresh new perspective on my "chores". My Bible study group has been study Mary & AMrtha..this post totally reminds me of these women's story. :0)

July 31, 2007 at 5:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Elise,

I see your home and it is filled with a sweet aroma. Thank you for this lovely picture.

August 1, 2007 at 9:08 AM  
Blogger Carol said...

Beautiful reminder of who our most important House guest really is!

Thank you!

August 3, 2007 at 7:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well put. It brough back memories for me as my children are grown and out of the home now. Those times were some of the best times now that I look back. Things are less hectic now but I still need to look to invite Jesus in and He is truly the most important guest.
Thanks.

October 5, 2007 at 12:54 PM  

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It is good to hear from you... thank you so very much for leaving a note on the table. That makes us smile!

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