“Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13b
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” I Peter 4:9
I grew up with parents who hosted lots of friends and relatives from across the country and as far away as Japan and Africa. Fond memories warm my heart when I think those people who came to visit us and spend the night.
Mom had the gift of hospitality and went out of her way to make people feel welcome. When guests were coming, she put us all to work as the bedroom was prepared (which meant my brother had to vacate), bathrooms were cleaned and fresh towels hung, the living area was vacuumed and dusted, and meals were prepped. An air of anticipation—as well as hurried desperation—filled the air.
When our guests finally arrived, Mom went out of her way to make sure their needs were met. As we showed them to their room, our visitors often expressed surprise and delight with the preparation that had gone in to welcoming them.
The next morning, we would come downstairs to the exhilarating aroma of breakfast—bacon, eggs, English muffins, orange juice, and coffee.
My best memories are of the laughter and conviviality that took place around that table.
It’s been my goal, as an adult, to replicate what my mom modeled for me: making people feel welcome and special.
5 TIPS FOR HOSTING OVERNIGHT GUESTS
1. REMEMBER THE GOAL.
It’s not to entertain. Not to impress. As my former pastor’s wife once said,
“Entertaining says, ‘Look at me.’ Hospitality says, ‘Look at Jesus.’”
Our goal should be to offer our guests a place of peace and respite—and to share with them the love of Jesus Christ. Consider what you’re doing as a ministry.
If you have kids, remember you’re modeling for them. Get them involved.
Encourage your children to catch the vision of hospitality.
2. PLAN AHEAD.
It’s not easy to prepare for overnight guests, especially if you work outside the home. This is where planning ahead comes in. If I know guests are coming and my schedule is full, I prepare in bite-sized chunks.
I dust one night, vacuum another, make the bed and prepare the room another, and grocery shop another. On the day of their arrival, I clean the bathroom and make a final run-through just before they come.
As soon as guests leave, I pull the sheets off the bed and throw them in the washer so they’re ready for the next guest. That way we’re always prepared in case we get unexpected visitors.
3. ANTICIPATE YOUR GUESTS’ NEEDS.
The Golden Rule is operative here.
Think about when you travel: what makes you feel welcome and cared for when you stay overnight in someone’s home?
In addition to basic needs, consider the special needs your guests might have: An extra pillow? A portable heater or air conditioner in their room? A nightlight? An extra blanket? Pets put away due to your guest’s allergies or discomfort with animals?
And then there’s the question of diet: Gluten free? Vegetarian? Keto? Diabetic? If they’ll be dining with you:
Ask your guests if they have any special dietary needs before they arrive so you can plan ahead.
Before your guests settle in for the night, see if there’s anything they need—like a glass of water, an extra blanket, etc.
4. DON’T SWEAT IT.
Strive for decent, not perfect. I wasted many years self-conscious about my home with its small size and outdated decor—not to mention the mess. (After all, kids and mess go hand-in-hand.)
If they’re truly your friends, they’re there for you, not to judge your house. Some of my fondest memories are of staying in humble dwellings, with lovely people who made me feel wanted and welcome.
By the way, we’re fortunate to have a guest room, but you don’t have to have one to house overnight guests. We’ve also used a sleeper sofa (try it out to make sure it’s comfortable) and inflatable mattresses.
(When hosting our elderly parents, we always gave up our master bedroom to maximize their comfort, and we slept on an inflatable mattress.)
5. PRAY.
Before guests come my husband and I often take time out of the last-minute rush to pray for our time with our guests—that they’ll be refreshed and that they’ll experience the love of Christ. This is a great activity to include the kids in, as well.
Welcoming guests into your home creates an opportunity to minister to others and models for your kids what it is to touch people with the love of Christ by serving them where you live.