There were several years when my kids were small that I very rarely had friends over. Partly because it was a season of my life when all my kids were little and I was so busy tending to them. I was also working outside the home and I did not really have many friends outside of work. I also didn’t invite people over because I thought my house was not tidy enough for guests- it looked more like a daycare with plastic toys everywhere than a home to me.

I have talked to several moms who feel this way and most of them are a bit lonely and would love to have a tribe of girlfriends, but cannot get past the mess in their house to start entertaining the idea of having anyone over.

I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and try it one time. Invite one or two mom friends over and do not go crazy cleaning up before they arrive. Just set a date and tell them to come over with their littles and the only rule is that everyone has to be in lounge clothes!

I have done this several times and it has become a favorite thing to do with my friends. There is no judgement and everyone is so comfortable in their pajamas. We look past the toys all over the floor, the dishes in the sink, and the hand prints all over the windows.

Everyone feels so normal and comfortable and we visit and laugh. Our conversations may be interrupted with a diaper change or a refill of a sippy cup, but it is so comforting to talk with other mommas in the same season of life.

When it is time for guests to head home everyone feels refreshed and the perspective of the messy house changes to ‘bless this beautiful mess.’

Until next time,