Getting Organized is an Opportunity to Serve Others with Less Stress

In 1 Peter 4:9, we are encouraged to show hospitality without grumbling. That's an interesting verse, isn't it? Shouldn't it go without saying that serving others in a hospitable way should be a joy? Well, think again.

The last time you had plans for company to come over, how were you feeling in the days/hours prior to their arrival? Scattered? In control? Exhausted? Like hiding? I know that for us, sometimes having company over is, sadly, the best catalyst for getting our home in order. It can be exhausting to prepare the house. That is unfortunate because it would be better to do some touch up and be rested and emotionally ready for our guests.

Maybe Peter realized, or observed, that reaching out to others does take work. Hospitality doesn't come easy, and perhaps people were complaining about it.

The Bible certainly encourages us to be in a position of helping others. In Acts 16, Lydia urged Paul and his ministry team to stay at her house. I think Lydia could do that because she was prepared for guests, and managed her household well. In Proverbs 31,we see a portrait of a woman who manages life well and is prepared to serve others.

So, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being "very prepared," how do you feel you would be if I was making an unexpected visit to you tomorrow?

One way to prepare wisely is to consider the "Triangle Zone." Draw a triangle, and note the three rooms or common areas your guests are likely to be during their visit. (For example, kitchen, guest room, living room.) Note also the traffic pattern they will take from spot to spot. Then, concentrate your organizing/cleaning efforts on those three spots initially. (If you have time, you can then do the lesser traveled areas.) In other words, you don't need your master bedroom to be spotless if your guests will remain in the dining room most of the night.

It should probably go without saying, but a bathroom the guests will use should be in the center of that triangle.

Here's a key thought: if the bathroom and kitchen are appropriately cleaned, you will go a long way toward being ready. Guests will likely be far more patient with a little dust or pile of clutter in the den than they would be with an unsanitary rest room or kitchen.

Another thought: neat and clean can be just a pleasant as sophisticated decorating. Sometimes we put a lot of money and effort into decorating when simplicity and a touch of say, holiday, accent look just as nice.

The bottom line is that getting organized will help you reduce mental clutter which keeps us tense in regard to hospitality, and grumbling such as Peter referenced. Wouldn't you rather look forward to serving others in your home?

On Friday's "practical tips" post, we'll look at some more ways to easily be prepared for guests! I welcome your comments!

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