I love to use my china, crystal, and flatware with a nice tablecloth and nice table decor’ when I invite people over. It’s fun to plan and prepare a delicious meal with beautiful table decor’ but Biblical Hospitality is not about the the china, food or table decor’.
It is not entertaining. It is about intentional living to connect and build relationships with neighbors, friends and strangers.
“The good news about hospitality is that it’s not about image management –
it’s about sharing your real life with others”. (Brandon Clements)
It’s About the People
It is not about the china, the decor, if my house is good enough or what do they think of me. Our focus should always be on the people we have invited into our home.
A Welcoming Home
Preparing your home for guests should not be overwhelming. Your goal is to make your guests feel welcome it is not about showcasing your home.
What you can do to prepare for your guests:
- Clean the bathrooms
- Vacuum
- Pick up each room where the guests will be
- If you are using candles, use a neutral scent or better yet purchase the LED candles
- If you own a pet as we do, be sure to have them in a secure location so that they don’t disturb your guests
- Keep the decor and menu simple
Enjoy Your Guests
Focus on your guests and meeting their needs. This will alleviate your desire to worry.
Relax
It is not about a perfectly decorated home, no spots on the carpet or scratches on the furniture, it is about a connection and building a relationship. It is about allowing people to see our not so perfect lives. Being authentic with people.
Making a Connection
Making a connection takes time. The invitation is only the first step. That is why it is important to keep things simple and make your home comfortable and welcoming.
The best way I have found to connect with another person is to ask them questions about themselves. Your responsibility is to listen and key in on their interests and what they enjoy doing.
By the end of the evening, you will have at least one interest that will allow you to continue to develop the connection with that person.
How exciting! You are starting on a new adventure.
Look what you have accomplished:
- You extended the invitation to have guests in your home.
- You worked hard to plan the menu, grocery shop, and prepare the meal.
- You made your home welcoming to your guests.
- You made a connection.
Great Job!
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Serving others with a joyful heart,
Teresa Morgan
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