A friend sent me a text the other day thanking me for lunch. I read it twice because we hadn’t met for lunch that day, and I certainly didn’t make the sandwich in the picture she attached. But I did recognize the kitchen counter on which the sandwich was placed. 

It was MY kitchen. 

I hadn’t been home all morning. She knew this. 

But she was hungry, and she knew I had food.

And most importantly, she knew my house always has an open door policy. 

My response to her help-yourself lunch was, “This makes my heart so happy.”

You see, I love it when people feel comfortable enough to make themselves right at home. Even if I’m not home. 

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My pantry? What’s mine is yours. 

My refrigerator? Anything is yours for the taking. 

Your family? Always welcome. 

Your kids? They will always be treated like my own around here. 

Need a jacket? I’ve got a spare. 

Don’t feel like driving home tonight? I’ve got an extra pillow and blanket with your name all over it because I promise you, I love sleepovers. 

And by all means, come on in and help yourself to a sandwich when I’m not home. I tell people upon entering my home, I’ll offer you a drink only once, and then your family and you can feel free to help yourself.  

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I want everyone who enters to feel comfortable enough to fall asleep on my couch or sneak away to a quiet space (if you can find one).

I want friends to feel like family.

I want neighbor kids to play in my backyard even when my kids aren’t home (and they do—a story for another day). 

I want to create a home that is so welcoming everyone feels comfortable enough to come on in and make themselves a sandwich. 

Even when I’m not home.