21 Days of Treating Your Family Like Guests

The full basket sat on the table, full of my favorite items:  Real Simple Magazine, flowers, snacks a plenty, and flavored waters.  Next to it was a card written lovingly by my friend, Jill, who had worked very hard to prepare my room and her home for me.  I felt so special, so set-apart.  All of this work and effort… for me? Love in action, lived out through thoughtful touches and small efforts.

When people come to our homes, we often give our all.  We set out the fine dishes, buy fresh-cut flowers, and leave fresh towels and linens in the room where they will be staying.  We also keep our words kind, and our tone joyful.  We’re at our best.

Then, they leave and the home returns to “normal.” We find ourselves less patient than when the guests were present.  Arguments ensue, and the flowers wilt.  The fancy plates are put away, and the towels tumble to the floor.

But that’s not how I want it to be.

My family, the ones closest to me, deserve the best of my time, talents, efforts, and resources.  While it is great to make a visit special for guests, I want to make my family feel like they are my greatest treasure.

So for 21 days I’m going on a journey to treat the ones I live with day in and day out like they are guests of honor in my home.  It’s going to require some sacrifice on my part, but that is what it takes to do the little actions that mean so much.  Alone these thoughtful guestures don’t create much impact, but together they change the entire temperature of our homes.  

Since we live in this space day in and day out, don’t we want it to be the very best possible?  We have been given this spouse (if you are married), and these children as a GIFT.  Let’s treat them this way and show them just how much they mean to us through small, doable actions.

Won’t you join me? Sign Up HERE! 

{and let’s do this together}

Based on the Book: Reclaiming Home

#21 Days of “Treating Your Family Like Guests” Blog Posts:

1. Know Your Family’s Favorite Things
2. Making Preparations to Love Well
3. Listen Like You Mean It
4. Simple Dutch Baby Recipe (Bed & Breakfast Style)
5. Creating Magic with Music and Candlelight (Pandora Station Recommendations)
6. Why We are Doing This Challenge
7. The Seven Wonders of Our Town
8. Pillow Treats
9. Hotel Style Clean Sheets & Towels
10. 7 Ideas for Welcoming People Home
11. The Family Table & 3 Hearty Recipes for Your Crowd:  Cabernet Tri Tip   Hootenanny Chicken  Chili
12. Apres-Ski Hearty Spaghetti Sauce to Feed a Crowd
13. 10-cent Prayers for Your Family
14. Family Emergency Reference Printable
15. Learning to Recognize Divine Appointments
16. 10 Ways to Show Love when Kids are Sick
17. How to Set Up a Hot Drink Bar for Your Family
18. Bedside Table Hospitality
19. Uncommon Generosity
20. A Book & A Blanket
21. The Power of Presence