Seasons of Hospitality
On womanhood and the social rat race.
Dear friends,
We want to build close ties.
We want to put down roots.
We want to live authentically in a healthy social and familial context.
And so we work hard at hospitality and socializing. And sometimes we wear ourselves out.
Today in my inaugural post at Theology of Home, I propose an alternative for women, in particular: a seasonal or cyclical way of considering building friendship and offering hospitality. This way may be more suited to the seasonal nature of feminine energy than the rat race of always trying harder socially, one thing after another, again and again, until you’re worn out, and sometimes without many people reciprocating in return.
Read my piece here:
“Honoring the Seasons of Hospitality.”
What do you think? Am I onto something, or is this less universal (or more — men, too?) than I think?
Have you had success in honoring or adapting to your own seasons of hospitality?
Warmly,
It took me a very long time to realize I cannot commit to anything after 7 pm. (Unless it’s truly a one time event but no ongoing “every Tuesday at 7:30 type things). I am just too tired from a full day of parenting. This was very frustrating for many years because most women’s groups and Bible studies meet in the evening. I finally found a women’s Bible study that meets one morning a week and offers childcare (!!) but it took me 7 years to find this and there were many lonely feeling years in between! I will admit I do find it frustrating that so many people feel comfortable canceling now when they are over extended. While I completely understand the need to prioritize family and existing obligations, it can really exacerbate existing feelings of loneliness. Not sure what the answer is!
It's good to realize that starting a group doesn't eliminate loneliness. I have not always listened to my own needs, and it has been hectic. It will be good for me to observe my times of the month. Thank you for your insight!