"She wasn't afraid of people in need because she wasn't afraid of needing others.  She didn't mind extending kindness to others, because she herself relied on the kindness of others."  ~Brene` Brown

No school means opportunities for our family to be involved more actively in hospitality this summer.  We've stretched our definition of hospitality a little bit over the last few weeks.  Sometimes Aaron and I have met another couple at a restaurant, sometimes our family has grilled hamburgers at a state park with another family.

"It isn't the great big pleasures that count the most; it's making a great deal out of the little ones."  ~Jean Webster

This weekend we hosted my parents and my nephew from Minnesota.  We don't get to see him very often, so it was definitely a treat to see the cousins hanging out together.  After church Sunday morning, we celebrated a friend's birthday with one of Sarah's delicious and beautiful cakes.  No matter how we offer hospitality in its various forms, this is my prayer (from "Every Moment Holy"):

"Meet us in the making of this meal, O Lord, and make of it something more than a mere nourishment for the body.  Make it the center of a sheltered space where grace freely flows.  Let the slow savoring of these foods give pause to those who will soon partake, prompting them to linger long at table, taking rest from the labors of the day, engaging in good conversation."