Each week varies, but weekends at our house have become pretty relaxing. I complete a few routine tasks, preparing for the coming week. But, we also enjoy seeing friends or special events when they pop up.

Mostly, Lydia goes outside to play with the neighbors! At times, several kids will be in my garage or another one close by. It’s quite fascinating at times to watch them interact! I have learned so much about hospitality and life by watching these group dynamics.

Personally, I can get caught up on having things “just right” before someone comes to visit. The pressure to host Pinterest-perfect parties doesn’t help, does it?!

But, with kids, it’s much clearer.

Children don’t care about having the right foods, beverages, or atmosphere. They just want to have fun! If there is food involved, great! If not, they’ll make do with toys and friends (real or imagined). Kids create warmth and welcome with their own laughter and joy.

Kids don’t care if you cleaned or not. They easily overlook the fact their ‘playground’ is half a garage filled with balls, scooters and bikes, a wagon containing My Little Ponies, Barbies, and other toys.

Even my own ‘work’ table has become a place to color and build with play-doh… Yes, when given the opportunity, children will make themselves right at home! I don’t mind…

Occasionally, I’ll coach a child (mine or otherwise) on including everyone or sharing. But, overall, everyone plays really well. Even little brothers join in on the fun!

Sometimes I offer light snacks… Thankfully, there are no food allergies! Popcorn, fruit, cheese sticks, and even popsicles have all made appearances. It’s pretty simple, really.

This past Sunday was especially fun… I had four little girls, including Lydia, in my garage and driveway playing “water buckets.” A few years ago, filling two five-gallon buckets with water was my solution for beating the heat. It’s been a hit ever since!

Sure, we could go swimming, play at the splash pad, or run through the sprinklers. But so far, water buckets seems to do the trick! On hot sunny days, the kids toss toys in the water and fish them out. The laughter mixed with splashing is well worth it!

I always enjoy hearing each child’s stories and funny perspectives. Talking with them is certainly a delight, but I also see it as an investment in building healthy relationships. I’m not sure who is learning more—me or them!

On Sunday, the kids also went next door to play with an adorable puppy. When some of the girls went home for dinner, three boys came over for coloring and riding bikes. As I chatted with two of my friends, Lydia said she was hungry.

“Mom, can we please have a snack?”

Quickly, I considered the options. It was dinnertime… We could corral the kids and make them stop playing on a gorgeous day…. OR…I could feed the kids, avoid potential meltdowns, enjoy the weather and conversation with my friends… and head inside later.

After checking with the other moms, it was an easy choice!

I ran inside to make a handful of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I cut them in half and sliced up a two apples. I headed back out to the garage, also armed with cups for water.

Feeling a little like a camp counselor, I set the food on a table and pulled up some chairs.

Voila!

These four hungry kids probably ate better because of positive peer pressure. It’s funny how something like a pb&j sandwich can pass for hospitality!

While the kids were happily filling their bellies, I got in some much needed time with my friends. Hopefully, these moms also left feeling encouraged and energized like I did!

Yes, on Sunday, the key to hospitality was making hungry hearts happy…

Peanut butter and jelly for the win!

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Thank You, God, for great neighbors and hospitality! Thank you for simple joys like a child’s perspective, laughter, and pb&j sandwiches. Please guide each of us as we learn and grow. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: What was your last funny topic of conversation with a child? Did their perspective change yours? What did you learn?