EVEN PRESIDENTS LOVE COTTAGES...

One of my favorite quotes is by Thomas Jefferson, which says,
"I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage, with my books, my family, and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post, which any human power can give."

If you have ever visited Monticello, you would probably agree with me that you would hardly call it a cottage. I tend to think of a cottage in terms of square footage, which I think is incorrect. Living a cottage lifestyle is about much more than square footage (and anyway, a "small" house is so relative). I think it is about living a lifestyle of simplicity, ease, and home grown comfort. Unpretentious. Living a cottage life is not about impressing others, but rather holding their comfort and enjoyment of your home in high regard. Loving your neighbor as yourself. When I think about being in other people's homes, I am surprised by the visits I that I remember as being the most enjoyable. One in particular stands out. The house was a mess (and that is generous). It was a large family, full of chaos and craziness, yet when the wife invited us in, she made no apology for the state of the house. We have all been there...we walk into someone's perfectly immaculate house and the woman says "I am so sorry about the mess, I haven't had a chance to clean". I admit, I have caught myself saying the same on many occasions myself.
Anyway, this woman made no apologies, just greeted us warmly, and set about preparing the meal. She asked about us, how we were, as children ran around underfoot. She set me up chopping something for lunch, Matt setting the table. We felt like another member of the family. They were having us over to spend time together and enjoy a meal. There was no elaborate spread, just simple good food. We worked together preparing it and I was glad that she felt comfortable with us and didn't feel the need to spend hours before our arrival cleaning and preparing. I always try to keep this memory in my mind when I am preparing to have friends over. It is about enjoying one another's company, spending time together, blessing others with our hospitality. And most importantly, glorifying God with the attitude of our heart. I realized a few years ago that I had so much pride (in a bad way) about having others over. It was all about making sure my house was perfect and the food was perfect and my children acted perfect. And then it hit me. We aren't perfect. We are sinful and in need of God's grace ALL THE TIME!! So why was I putting on airs? Now that I have been a homemaker for several years, and have several small, messy children, my ideals have changed, for the better, I hope. My favorite type of hospitality is when a friend drops in late at night, when I am already in my jammies. I might fix a cup of hot tea or coffee and we just sit on in the couch, talking late into the night in a quiet house. It is simple, it is unassuming, and it is honest. The way I would like all of my life to be. I want my hospitality to be a true reflection of myself, and of my values.

PRAYER

Jesus, Cast a Look on Me
Give me sweet simplicity
Make me Poor and keep me Low
Seeking only Thee to know

Thought for the day...

"The Beautiful is everywhere; perhaps more in the arrangement of your saucepans on the white walls of your kitchen than in your eighteenth-century living room or in the offical museums." -Fernand Leger, painter

I have tried to be more intentional lately about creating natural beauty when I have the opportunity. For example, usually, I just throw my fruits and veggies in the drawer in the fridge when I bring them home from the store. One day this summer, instead of the cooling drawer, I put my tomatoes in a simple white porcelain bowl and set it on the shelf in the fridge. You can not imagine the difference!! Every time I opened my fridge, seeing that pretty bowl of tomatoes made me happy. It was so simple, I felt silly, but it really affected me. And it wasn't just me!!
A friend opened my fridge and immediately "oohed and ahhhed" about how pretty the inside of my fridge was!!
Last week, I put my ironing pile in an antique dough bowl. It made a crumpled pile of linens look intentional!!
Anyway, I am just really inspired to make neccessary, not always pretty aspects of my home look beautiful...either through presentation (such as that porcelain bowl) or paint (I spray painted my wicker laundry baskets black and I like them so much better!!) or by replacing them with something that is still useful, but more asthetically pleasing (hardback books vs. paperbacks). Maybe that is the secret to a house that is beautiful, yet also comfortable and lived in?
I would love to hear others thoughts on this...

Here is a happy little quote for today. I love this one!!

"Stay, stay at home, my heart, and rest: Hope keeping hearts are happiest...to stay at home is best." ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow