Hosting a dinner party sounds daunting unless we tackle it one task at a time. When I think of all the work involved, I can feel like quitting before I even begin. I wonder—and maybe even whine a little:

  • How can I fit hosting guests into my already too-full schedule?
  • I have house issues: My table is too small, I don't have enough chairs, my dining room is also the office, the homeschool room, and the playroom! 
  • I hate to cook and I don't want to make people sick!
  • My kids aren't very well behaved yet. I'll need to wait until they're away at college. 
  • Who should I invite? Doesn't everyone already have their friends?
  • Wouldn't it be easier to get a sitter and meet a couple at a restaurant? And since I don't have enough money for both those things, I guess we just won't go out until we win the lottery or some distant rich uncle leaves us an inheritance!

Out Of Excuses

These arguments are legitimate—to a point. We are busy. It is easier to go out (if we had the money). Our homes may be under construction or not be 'the perfect home' for company.

But God doesn't call us to elaborate entertaining. He says to "show hospitality to one another without grumbling" (1 Peter 4:9). Doing one task a day is the best tip for doing simple hospitality. It helps keep me from grumbling or feeling that I'm totally out of my depth.

TAKING THE OVERWHELM OUT OF HOSTING A DINNER PARTY

If you desire to use your home for God and others, yet you don't know how to go about it, here's some sage advice: "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." 

I don't recommend serving elephant stew, although I do know a delicious recipe for French Dip Beef Sandwiches which could pass for elephant, and would be, perhaps, more seemly for your guests. 

Preparing for a dinner party is easier when we do one thing a day. Taking 'one bite at a time' transforms the host—you and me—from feeling overwhelmed to, "I can't wait to host again!" True story.

START SIMPLE

So here's a list of simple tasks, one to do each day of the week except for Sundays (a day of rest!). By the end of the four weeks . . .  (continue reading on The Joyful Life Magazine Blog today.)

 

 

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Need a Christian women's event speaker? Booking now for Fall and 2023. See topics and series HERE.

Chino Valley Community Church Women's Retreat, March 2022. Loved being on their "Road Trip with God" all weekend long.

 

Please email this one sheet to your favorite event planner.