Hospitality

I have never been very good at entertaining, but I have often thought of inviting different someones over for dinner once a week. I think I have started. I had invited my mother-in-law over for dinner two weeks ago, but she had plans and we had to reschedule for last week. Of course, then I got sick, and was on the couch for a week enduring the pain of pleurisy. She called and offered to bring a pizza and since my plan for supper was to let three kids raid the pantry, I readily accepted the offer. She showed up with my father-in-law ("so what" you may think, but they have been divorced for years), and the 6 of us had pizza. Not a candlelit dinner party, but it was a start. So yesterday I called my dear Aunt Ann and invited her to supper. She agreed and made the 1/2 mile drive from her house to ours. I fixed a lovely pork roast in the slow cooker, boiled potatoes, and green beans. I used my good plates which happened to be the same pattern that Aunt Ann and Uncle Wilbur had at the beginning of their marriage 41 years ago. Each of the kids said a prayer, and we shared family conversation throughout the meal. I made apple cider donuts for desert. I didn't really like the recipe, but the kids gobbled them down. Aunt Ann refused to leave until she helped me do the dishes, so I washed and she dried while the kids played with their dad. It was a poignant moment for me. Aunt Ann is very special to me. Almost like a second mother who isn't critical. I grew up next door to her. She used to do my hair before school. She was the one that took me to get my immunizations for school. I can tell her anything in confidence  and know that she will not share it with anyone.  
The Bible tells us to open our homes to those in need. Aunt Ann isn't exactly in need of anything, but since Uncle Wilbur died, she is alone in her house on the hill. So, I'm sure she appreciated the conversation and a warm meal. I'm sure it's very hard to cook for just one person, and I cannot imagine being alone every night. So, who will I ask to dinner next week, and what will I cook? Good question.