The Joy of Hospitality

February 18, 2020
 
Beloved:
            As some remodeling work finishes up at my house, here are some things I’ve learned.
In the 1990s, it was apparently a thing to install a giant Jacuzzi bathtub then build the house around it.  Uninstalling involves sawing the tub into pieces to carry to the dumpster.
            If you give a floor guy some Girl Scout cookies he’ll help you catch a mouse.  I am more afraid of mousetraps than mice, and I needed to catch one who moved into my Honda Fit.  The floor guy was super great about setting the trap, twice.
            If your husband says he only wants to pick out one thing in the project, don’t be surprised if it turns out to be a high tech toilet he will program to welcome you upon approach.
My cat likes to sit in the new bathtub – but only when it’s empty.  When he isn’t told the contractor filled the tub to test the stopper, he ends up really angry for the rest of the day.
People love to be fed.  Snacks, breakfast, something for the road.  If you ask them if they want something, they almost always say, “Oh, I’m fine.”  But if you take them something you’ve already made, they are glad to have it.  My egg sandwiches are big favorites now.
            Despite internet advice to the contrary, warm water with vinegar and much scrubbing will not remove grout from the face of your tile.  Call the tile man to come back and remove it surgically with his tile scalpel.  I promise everyone will be happier for it.
            Like everything else in life, remodeling projects demand patience and flexibility.  Some things don’t turn out as you imagined and some things turn out better than you could have.  Treating everyone involved as though they are doing their best makes each day and the whole project proceed more efficiently.  Having workers in one’s home is another shape hospitality can take.
            I pray you know the joy of hospitality this week. 
~ peace & prayers, 
pastor annette