To all Hostesses

You worried about your dirty house.

You said you were not a natural hostess.

When I came, there were dirty dishes in the sink,

And the table needed clearing. 

But when I knocked on the door,

You cheerfully opened and invited me in.

And I knew you cared that I was there.

I knew that you cared about me as a person.

To me, your guest, the dishes seemed irrelevant.

Though your house was not perfect,

You made me feel welcome.

And I did not care that you didn't have time to sweep the floor.

I did not mind your smudged windows.

You set before me simple refreshments,

And I was blessed.

Your hospitality was not based on your house or the fare.

It was based on you.

And that to me is true hospitality.