There’s nothing that motivates me more to clean the house than company coming. Even though I know better, I often procrastinate, so my preparations are typically completed just in time. I of course tend to the obvious such as cleaning bathrooms, washing the pots and pans stacked in the sink, and opening the mail piling up on the table. I also try to look more closely at my surroundings to identify other items I simply overlook every day. Like the spot that’s been on the kitchen floor since last week and the mound of dirty towels I should really put in the washer.
When we are expecting company, we naturally want to tidy things up, maybe even add special extras like ‘fancy’ dishes—you know, the ones you have to wash by hand. To make my front porch more festive for a special gathering, I bought three new blooming plants for empty pots I already had. My only goal was for them to look cheery for the few days my guests were there. (I’m happy to say the plants are still blooming, but I probably would not have gotten them for just me.) We clean and clear things away so when our guests come, we can offer them comfortable surroundings; we want them to know they are appreciated, and that their companionship is a gift to us. We hope our extra time and effort come across as welcoming and inviting—as hospitable.
For me, these physical chores are easy enough. But as I busied myself preparing for a guest just the other day, I wondered: how hospitable is my heart? Have I prepared it enough? Is it a place where the Lord would find that He is welcome? Is there plenty of room for Him or do judgment, hurtful words, frustration, and gossip take up space? If I look more closely, what do I need to clean and clear away to make room for the gift of the Lord’s companionship? What are the things I overlook every day that interfere with my fully inviting Him to be a part of my life, of my decisions, of my hopes, and of my struggles?
We know God will be forgiving and merciful however He finds our hearts, and He promises to comfort us and help us make room for Him: ‘I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you.’ (Is 41:10) Let us be mindful to spend prayerful time and effort preparing for the extraordinary, life-giving company of the Lord in our hearts.
Journeying to Grace 