Fine China and a "No-No Room"

Great grandmother's flower pattered china intermingles with a sleek modern set.

Furniture undented, unscratched; not a toy to be found.  Mirrored wood, no finger prints to buff out.  Candles and books at knee level.  A grown up retreat in a preschool world.

Guests uninvited find comfort, a retreat from the child-mess.  The adults of the home find uninterrupted conversations, distractions out of sight.

Family and friends become royalty with the china filled table.  Candles flicker encased in crystal.  Silver buffed.  Napkins starched.  The fine setting a perfect destination for a fine meal.  The best wine decanted and poured.  A table becomes a dance floor for a conversation waltz.  Dishes out of sight.  Host and hostess present.

A formal living / dining room  (aka 'No-No' room to the kids) isn't for everyone, but I encourage you to at least have a 'No-No' space.  A sanctuary where fingerprints and dishes and child messes have no residence.  A retreat of presence.  Perhaps you feel that it isn't important, but I beg to differ.  If you are distracted by child messes when guests pay a visit, when husband sits after long day, when quiet God-moments are sought, you will never be fully present.  You will miss the complete blessings.

Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.  Be present today.