Share what you have,

Not what you wish you had.

I’ve been a guest at some super fancy houses. Exhausted one summer, I visited a friend who lives by the sea. Smiling, she hugged me, settled me into a wicker chaise lounge on her wrap-around porch, put a chilled white wine in my hand, and treated me like royalty. I was accepted and cared for in these luxurious surroundings.

I’ve also been a guest at Auntie Joanne’s tiny apartment over the funeral home. It was our traditional New Year’s Day indoor picnic, and she gave me and my sisters giant candy canes! And I remember feeling so welcome, so important, SO FANCY!

The guest crossing my threshold needs welcome and acceptance more than anything in the world. And I have that to offer!! Whether I set a table on my pool deck for brunch or spread a table cloth on the clear area of carpet in my apartment, my powerful, life-enriching gift is the welcome and acceptance I have to give. 

Share what you have, not what you wish you had. Don’t apologize; don’t wait until you have something “better” to offer. You have what others need. You are enough. Welcome and acceptance will make your guests feel like a million bucks, even if it only costs you five.