By trying to keep up with the housework as much as possible we will be able to be better prepared when an opportunity is in front of us. This doesn’t mean the house must be perfect. As long as it doesn’t look like a tornado hit or totally dirty, as this may make your guests feel uncomfortable. This is when order, organization, simplicity and chores help out a lot.

Another aspect of being hospitable is that your children learn to give, to share and to minister to others, if you do it willingly.  Involve your children in the preparation teachng them along the way. They will learn lessons from the kitchen about more than just food prep...

and table setting... but also how to better love others (that is if we use this time to be with our children teaching them and allowing them to help where they can.)

It is so easy to give in to the temptation to grumble and complain about the extra work and the burden of needing to provide for others. Perhaps that is why Peter sagely advises us, “...Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”

This is a lesson I need to work on. I sometimes get caught up in trying to have everything as perfect as I can. When really, I do need to work on having the meal and home ready but more so work on having my heart ready. This is what I was forgetting in the past- taking the time to pray with the Lord. He will then stay with me to help me. An author challenged me by saying that she takes a bit of time to go aside and prepare her heart for her guests. When she prays for them and for help to minister to their needs she finds that things go so much better."

"A Christian home in today’s world is a miracle that must be shared. When we give in Jesus’ name He sanctifies our simple gift of love and our kitchen table becomes an altar where fires are lighted that burn in other’s souls. We can share the Bread of Life and the Living Water while we share our meal and fellowship"

" And last, but not least, your hospitality must begin at home. Our children and husbands deserve the same grace and the same love  that we extend to others. We greet a guest with a warm welcome. Our children however, are often welcomed with, “take off your muddy boots, or pick up your toys immediately.” They need to do these things but we need to temper our commands with sweetness and love. Kindness and respect for our own families every day is a prerequisite for true hospitality. Like the statement “Charity begins at home,” so does hospitality.

May it be said of us, as we serve our brothers and sisters in Christ....“ “...they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.” 1 Cor 16:15

On a fun note:

Keep a guest book/ journal! Have it out so guests can sign it.  It is so simple yet a fun keepsake to look back through and see who was there when. The guest(s) can put their address down for easy contact and the comments are fun to read and to remember the time(s) you spent together.

Most quotes, other than the Bible verses were taken from a wonderful article entitled An Open Heart and Home by Rachel Weaver. I have no idea who she is but she wrote a lovely article. You can read her whole article at this blog, Hidden Creek Homestead. The segments I used were the noteworthy tidbits I wanted to remember!