I am grateful for toilet bowl brushes and the water to flush.

I am grateful for friends who share the ugly.

I am grateful for a day with Dad on Saturday.

I am grateful for new clothes to wear.

I am grateful for my pastor’s message.

I am grateful for this scripture today, because I need a right spirit to be renewed within, and this is a simple prayer:

Speaking of that right spirit, this was in my inbox today.

Tips for the houseguest, tips for the host:

1. Be clear about how long your visit will be in order to be respectful of the hosts and their schedule.
2. Never show up unannounced.
3. Bring a small gift, and make it something the hosts are not obligated to display each time you will visit. A delicious delicacy from your hometown is always a nice idea.
4. Notice the house: no clutter means you shouldn’t either. Light clutter means you shouldn’t either.
5. Be appropriate – no walking around with just a towel or nightie, and use etiquette always.
6. Remember these words: “Would you mind if…?” “May I…” “Would it be alright if…” Don’t take advantage.
7. You should offer to help with extras like cooking or watching their children, but you shouldn’t even bother asking before clearing the table, doing dishes, or filling the car with gas if you borrow it.
8. If your hosts have to work, entertain and feed yourself and let them know when you will be returning.
9. Never offend. If your host doesn’t smoke or social drink, don’t assume it’s okay. 
10. Bring your own toiletries, and by all means, stay out of their refrigerator unless they offer their leftovers and milk.
11. Leave no trace of your stay. That means, the bathroom should be cleaner than when you arrived. The sheets should be stripped from the bed and carried to the laundry room. The kitchen sink and counters should be dirty dish free.
12. Give thanks three times. Three. When you arrive, when you leave, and once more, in a HAND-WRITTEN note.

1. Guest room essentials: Always have clean sheets and towels ready, and lay out mini-toiletries for your guests’ use, just in case they forgot something.
2. Double check schedules to insure that arrival days and times coincide and if you are providing transportation, your guests are not waiting for you to arrive at the gate or train station.
3. Stock your refrigerator and pantry with a few essentials and offer access to your guests. 
4. If you have ideas for entertainment or have made plans while your guests are visiting, let them know ahead of time so that they can pack accordingly. If they will be on their own to explore your area, leave a nice note of ideas in their room.
5. Provide a warm and cozy welcome with soft lighting, soft music, and light a candle for ambiance.
6. Offer a snack or beverage upon your guests’ arrival, no matter the time of day or night.
7. Show your guests to their room and offer to carry their bags.
8. Explain the quirks of your home – remember the first time you tried to flush and had to find out the hard way that jiggling the handle “just so” was the only way to achieve success.
9. Empower your guests to help themselves. Hopefully, they won’t just help themselves but will wait for your encouragement. Show them where the coffee pot is kept, show them the recycling bin, and if they are staying for a few days, offer the laundry room for their needs.
10. Provide relaxation. Don’t fill every moment of the visit with activity. Sitting on a patio for conversation and peace and quiet is essential to an enjoyable visit.

I’m still working on my shortcomings, so I guess I’m grateful for my shortcomings, so that I have something to work on. I am also grateful for wonderful hosts in my past. Charlie and Patsy are at the top. Someday, I hope to be more like them.