Words of wisdom sometimes travel far beyond the intended target. Such is the case with something my friend, Kathy, learned at a church workshop. She learned about Bless or Impress.
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| image from the fabulous Anne Taintor |
When company is coming, my first instinct is to start running around, picking up debris, grab the vacuum and dust rag and go on an all out cleaning tear. I don't think I'm alone in this.
But now that I have learned the magic phrase, I stop and take a breath and ask myself - am I trying to bless ~or~ impress my company?
While thinking this over, I thought about my friend's homes. Mostly, I thought of one special friend, Susan, whose house always looks lived-in. She and her family are super creative and very busy. Yet she has people over all the time. She doesn't get concerned over whether things look perfect. And let me tell you, I feel more comfortable in her house than in any other house I visit. I can completely relax there. I don't hesitate to prop my feet up and get comfortable. In a house where everything is spotless and orderly, I tend to sit up straight and feel the need to be very, very careful. You can't really relax like that, even if you dearly love the person who lives there.
Today, my wonderful niece, Kelly, and her daughter Eiligh (in case you are wondering, that's a Celtic name and is pronounced Eye-Lee) are coming for a sleepover. I will tidy up just a little bit, but let me assure you, it will not come anywhere close to being ready for a white glove inspection. We won't be impressing anybody, but I sure hope to shower those girls with love.
I've joined in with the following parties:
Home and Family Fridays at Home is Where My Story Begins
Favorite Things Friday at A Few of My Favorite Things
Saturday Share Your Faves at It's a Blog Party
Weekly Words to Live By at Notes From A Cottage Industry