We love having people in our home! Through the years, we have hosted many cookouts, parties, and small group Bible studies. Inviting others to sit at your table and share a meal together opens up conversation and deepens friendships.

Although having people in my home fills my heart, I struggle with getting my house ready for the outside world to see. We aren’t slobs, but with five people living in one space it doesn’t take long for things to get out-of-place. It’s always worth the effort to straighten up our house to welcome others into our home.

I love the conversations, eating together, and most of all, just being real with each other. We have had countless spontaneous counseling sessions in our home, many of which I was the recipient of the good advice.

I have a confession to make. Mica and I hosted a small group in our home for married couples until we started this blog. Once-a-month we would buy dips and chips from Costco, clean up the house (downstairs only), and welcome couples into our home. When we started this blog, we didn’t realize the extra time that would be required on weekends. We decided to pull away from hosting small group for a season.

Can I be real? A couple of weeks ago I was just sad, maybe even depressed! My heart was heavy and I could not pinpoint why. When I finally slowed down enough to examine my heart I realized the source of my sadness. It became clear to me that Mica and I were struggling with a personal decision and my group of people, my tribe, were not close by. We had no one to talk to or pray with about our struggle.

Life gets busy! We lose margin. Quickly we can find ourselves feeling isolated and alone. Maybe it’s time to Just Open the Door Again.

I recently read Jen Schmidt’s book, Just Open the Door, and I have really been challenged to open my home more. If you feel a stirring to invite others into your home, this book is a must read.

Our Action Plan

• Invite
• Clean the house (downstairs only)
• Buy chips and dip

I know what your thinking. “Bev, it’s not that simple!”

I get it! I’m type A, and I love everything in its place. However, I assure you that all people really want is to feel loved and welcomed when they come into your home. Most people couldn’t care less about dusty base boards or your unmade bed.

Ideas For Opening Your Home During The Holidays

• Make Gingerbread Houses — All you need is a box of graham crackers, white store-bought icing and candy. Have each guest bring a couple of bags of their favorite candy. The creations are magnificent!
• Movie Night — For years we hosted a Charlie Brown Christmas party. No one can explain the true meaning of Christmas like Linus.
• Bonfire — We attended a friends’ New Year’s Eve party where their tradition was to burn their dried-up Christmas tree. Neighbors and friends brought their trees as well. I think this was the biggest, hottest bonfire we have ever encountered! The guys really enjoyed it!

Whether you are hosting family for the Holidays or a monthly small group, the care that you express matters to others. It amazes me that when we go the extra mile to love others, our Love Bank is filled as well! It’s always worth it!