A Pinterest perfect life: is this even possible? Even more importantly, would you want it?

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE to look at all of the lovely homes and gardens and creative gift ideas that they offer. It definitely has a plethora of inspiration! But our gardens aren’t perfect, our homes aren’t perfect – life isn’t perfect. And to try to attain the unattainable is a recipe for stress.

Every now and then I plan an event such as a get together for the girls, or a holiday celebration, and it is then that my Martha starts to show. Like gentle Mary’s driven sister, I drive myself absolutely crazy for weeks, trying to make everything perfect for my guests, when in all reality all they care about is spending time together.

Is it wrong to want to bless our friends and family with good food, a clean and cute house, and lasting memories?

I don’t think so. 

I believe the problem lies in whether we are trying to bless or impress. Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I drawing attention to myself and my accomplishments, or to the quest whom I am welcoming in?
• Do I look for praise or point out all of my latest projects, or do I focus on the other person and listen to what is going on in their lives?
• Do I ramble on about my day and how hectic it was getting everything prepared, or is the guest’s comfort a priority?
• Have I taken into consideration what would make the guest happy when planning my event, or did I only think of what would make the greatest impact.

As I write these questions, pangs of conviction fill me, and I realize that I too am drawn to the “evil” side of hospitality. My primary motivation is to be a good hostess; a humble servant. But somewhere along the way, possibly between the hors oeuvres and the gathering activity (yes I am crazy enough to think that my guests need to leave with a memory or a token), I lose my original purpose, and visions of the pinterest perfect life take hold.

What I fail to remember is that I am not perfect; and my guests already know that. I let my idea of perfection take the place of the humble heart that reached out in love to those around her, and instead work hard to make my life and my home into something it is not: Perfect! And striving for perfection leads to pride, superiority and stress.  And in my case, occasionally a scathing migraine!

Do yourself a favor and defeat the performance trap. No one has a perfect house or a perfect life, including those that you have invited into your home. What really matters is that they feel your love and acceptance. The perfect hostess:

• Makes her guests feel welcome without feeling inferior
• Listens intently instead of talking incessantly
• Serves humbly and honors each guest as if they were the only one who matters.

By all means, make that really cute centerpiece that you saw on pinterest, I know sometimes the urge to create is really strong….but remember that if you don’t, it doesn’t really matter anyway – your guests will love you just the same!

Dear Lord, help me to stay focused more on my guests and less on myself. Guide me in serving those that you place in my path with a pure and humble heart. I want to welcome others as if I were welcoming you at my door and be true to who I am and not focus on presenting myself as someone who I am not. Thank you for the opportunity Lord to be your servant and to show others the great love that you have for them each time I show hospitality.

Jesus Come!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Lisa

How to you like to serve and show hospitality?  Consider leaving a comment!

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