Romans 12:13 commands us to practice hospitality.  That is one command that scares me the most.  You see, I hate housework…. with a passion.  I have tried calling it a blessing.  And at times I have a grateful heart for all the work I have to do day in and day out.  But, housekeeping tends to fall to the wayside around my house.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a clean house and it is a goal of mine but it isn’t top priority.  AND I must admit at times it gets rather messy around here.

In order for me to be hospitable, I feel that the house must be spotless.  I grew up thinking that it had to be…..look at June Cleaver…..Mrs. Brady……spotless homes.  I mean the Emily Post and Heloise books tells you the same!  Spotless!  Oh man… don’t get me started on the rules, the do’s and don’ts, and the proper etiquette…..makes my head hurt thinking about it.

Is that what God meant for us to be hospitable?  Hospitality means to be warm, generous, and friendly towards strangers and guests as we receive them……Yeah, in a way it does, but could it not mean to be warm, generous, and friendly ANYWHERE?  Could it happen on the street?  Giving someone in need a blanket or food?  Could it mean going to the homeless shelter and hosting a tea party?  Could it possibly mean planning a small get together at a park or at a local zoo?  Could it mean surprising someone visiting your church with a cup of coffee and a muffin?  Could it mean something more than a group of people in your home?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I think hospitality should begin at your home.  Although, we have to abandon the thought of the picture perfect home.  If I plan ahead, I can have the house neat as a pin.  But also, there are days I open my “nasty” home to friends who know me the most…. and they don’t mind my mess…..or at least they don’t seem to…….I am just afraid if we box ourselves into thinking that hospitality only happens within our homes, we could miss out on so much because let’s face it…… how many strangers have you let into your home lately?  How many times have you come up with the excuses of “my house is too small” or “I don’t have time to throw a dinner party.”

So here’s my challenge:  Try to think of ways to be hospitable outside of your home. Be creative and do it out of God’s love, warmth and friendliness.  Be generous…. it doesn’t cost much to bake cookies and take them to the office…..or to your neighbor’s house……or mine!

God Bless…….

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