Living Fully: Or Do We Worry Too Much?
How does one live ready, and always? -Ann Voskamp
On a Friday, a few weeks ago and my day off from work, I had a million things “to do” on my list and in my mind. But I sat down to read some of Ann’s new book …
Will I live life fully … or just empty?
My thoughts went directly to myself, and how I was feeling about the 12 friends coming over for a Super Bowl Party.
Okay, I’ll be honest here. With my writings about courage, challenging others to “invite,” guiding people along and encouraging them to “reach out,” my mind still goes toward the “my house isn’t good enough,” “what will they think?” “we need to remodel our bathrooms,” “what about the carpet,” and “will they like the food?”
Me, me, me.
Ann’s words this day were salve for an anxious mind and a nervous attitude about entertaining.
It’s not about me. It’s about dying to self, living, being gracious, giving out.
My focus for having people over is not about my house.
It’s not about gourmet food or the image that comes along with entertaining.
No, my focus needs to be sitting with my friends, engaging, having fun, laughing, eating, sharing stories, watching the game here and there, celebrating the Packers victory, and NOT worrying about my house.
How do we live fully?
Or do we worry about things that really don’t matter?
I’d love to hear whether you struggle and worry about ‘stuff’ when you know people are coming over?
(If you haven’t bought a copy yet, of Ann’s new book, One Thousand Gifts, you can HERE.)
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
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Yes, I always worry- to the point that once I know that people are coming over, I turn into a crazy person. I know, not good. I am working on that… lately I haven’t invited anyone over, because all of the preparation just exhausts me, so I would rather not do it. Sad.
I must confess I read this post the other day, but didn’t comment because I wanted to think about it a little. I actually worry way too much and fret when guests ‘pop-in’ about the breakfast dishes that are still on the counter, or the magazines spread out on the coffee table…I worry about those things so much that when we do entertain I can’t relax and enjoy myself. My husband thinks so differently than I do about this and always tells me that family and friends aren’t coming over to look at our house or criticize our home, but they are coming to visit us and enjoy us. And the thing is I know this, but part of me just wants everything to be perfect when I know that is impossible, and really I don’t want everything to be perfect. I have been in homes that are designer perfect and they have left me feeling cold. I don’t want people to feel cold when they come for a visit. So, I really enjoy it when i come here and visit and you remind me (us) that things don’t need to be perfect. Thank you for that, Sandy. Oh, and I am planning a little dinner party for some friends of ours. Baby steps… :)
Ann’s book is stopping me in my tracks. I can’t even make it past chapter one and two. So much to process. Such lovely life giving words. Glad you are reading it also.
Fondly,
Glenda
I am reading Ann’s book. Wow, what a poet. But her words aren’t just pretty phrases, they are rich and deep and strong.
I am amazed at how many ties there are with another book I’m reading–Nudge by Leonard Sweet. All about reaching out to others in love through the use of the five senses. It is so much what you are about–impacting the senses of others with hospitality.
I am wanting to be more others centered.
Thanks for making us think!