On the front steps of every home, you’ll find a welcome mat. You know it’s a welcome mat by the giant printed WELCOME written on the mat. You are welcome in my home, it says.
Wipe your paws. Stay a while. Yay! You’re here! Come in & cozy up. Home is where the heart is. Together is our favorite place to be. This is us. Come as you are. There’s no place like home. The snuggle is real.
But what if we were the home? What if our lives got a welcome mat? Would it really still say Welcome, we’re so glad you’re here!
Or would it say Please go away. Not wearing pants. Haven’t showered in days.
Would it say Ignore the yelling. Hope you like clutter. I’m not disorganized, I’m overwhelmed.
Would it say Please don’t judge me. I’m doing my best. Life is a balancing act, and I’m falling.
Would it say I hope you texted first. I’m not lazy, I’m drowning. The struggle is real.
When I lay out the welcome mat of my home, my heart, my life, what is it really saying? What words tell my story?
Hi, I’m so glad you’re here. Your friendship means the world to me. My hair is in a messy bun and my pants are a bit too tight. There’s dog hair under the sofa from a thousand puppy play times. There are yummy snacks and lots of hugs. There is good music and laundry on the couches. There is a pile of really important paperwork on my counter I’ve been meaning to get to, and I swear I’ll sort it soon, but for now, can I make you a cup of tea?
I have oh so many kinds of tea and syrups for coffee and delightful mugs to drink from. I’m just happy to spend time with you. Doing anything. Or nothing. You choose. I’m exhausted from deciding everything for everyone all the dang time. But I’m so grateful to slow down and spend a little time with you.
Actually, that’s probably too long to fit on a welcome mat. Perhaps I’ll shorten it to just WELCOME