Most likely you have heard the question "Guess who's coming for dinner?" But what about overnight? Are you prepared to have one or several people stay overnight?

Growing up, I lived near all my relatives and so my family had little need to have anyone overnight unless it was their children's friends. So when I married a man with out-of-town family, I began to have overnight guests. This became a more regular occurrence as I moved overseas and met people from all over the world. Thankfully, God never places more on us than we can handle (1 Cor. 10:13), but I often felt anxiety about this part of hospital­ity.

While the Bible does not give all the details on how people showed hospitality for believ­ers, we know that Christians cared for one another. If we are hosting a non-believer, we really need to show Christ's love.

First, we should ask God for the right heart attitude especially if we do not feel we are given the gift of hospitality. Some are better at this than others! The bottom line is: We are selfish, depraved individuals who do not like to share ourselves, things or our private quarters unless there is something in it for us. Earlier in my adult life, I truly felt this way at times when I heard that someone was coming to my area and I needed to accommodate them. Surely there are others who have felt like me?!

I prayed about my feelings, and God helped me decide that I could and would have some­one stay overnight in my home. He also taught me that various kinds of preparations could help me, my family and my guests feel at ease. If you are not at ease about having this person/people, they will pick up on your poor Christian testimony.

Preparations:⤒🔗

1. Communicate with your family before guests arrive. If you are married, you and your husband should be on the same page as to who will do which tasks: e.g. greet them at the door, offer them a drink, deal with dinner dishes, show them their room, bathroom, sights in your area, etc. It is very important to inform your children well in advance that these people are com­ing and what their responsibilities are to be. Include your children in an exciting way so they will be more inclined toward hospitality as they become adults.
2. Stock your pantry and refrigerator with the essentials especially for breakfast, morning/afternoon tea and snack items.
3. It is a great idea to have at least one sit down meal together so you can properly visit with your guests. Plan for these meals. While it is fairly easy to "run to the store" for last minute items, save yourself stress and time by planning ahead. Avoid rudeness that they could feel if you do not have a meal for them.
4. If you have a spare key, give it to your guest (only if they are trustworthy) so they can come and go at leisure. This is less pressure on you too especially if they come in late or leave early.
5. Is the bed(s) already made? Enough blankets available (depending on the season)? Is there a bath towel and face cloth for each person?
6. Have a clean bathroom with enough toilet paper, shower gel or soap, community hand towel and rubbish bin.
7. Show guests where things are, especially in the kitchen unless you are going to be available to serve them food. Most women find it easier to put out dishes and breakfast food the night before, allowing their guests to serve themselves.

Best Rule of Thumb: Always ask, "Is there anything else you need?"

Do your best to put yourself in the shoes of your guests. This takes into account whatever situation they are in and also, you and your family. When people visit during a typical work or school week, many of us could feel more pressure. Unfortunately this may be the only time they are "passing through" your area. Before saying "yes" to their visit, consider whether or not your family can cope with extra people being in their weekly routine. If you do say "yes", accommodate your guests as best you can. However, be honest informing them that you and your family must continue a normal routine but you want them to "make themselves at home" in your house!

What about doing their laundry? I have experienced this both as a traveling guest and a hostess. If people are away from their homes for weeks, or guests in your home for a week or more, their clothes will need to be washed. You can decide whether you want to do their laundry yourself, let them do it themselves or a combination of the two. Please remember that they may be quite unfamiliar with how your system works.

If you take day trips with your guests, but know that you will be back home for dinner, then cook something ahead of time and freeze it. Place it in your refrigerator the night before, then it will be ready to heat up when you arrive back from your "tourist day out."

All of us should be willing to have people stay in our home overnight when there is a need. Whether or not we have a guest room and extra bathroom, a sofa bed or just space on the floor, the key is still our attitude toward this type of hospitality. Let us ask our Heavenly Father for His help. He will give each of us the grace we need for the task!