Christians, invite people into your home this summer.
Why?
Because America has a loneliness epidemic. Almost thirty percent of Americans feel lonely; the younger they are, the more lonely they feel, and the rates keep rising every year. “In short, there is no statistical record of any other period in U.S. history when people have spent more time on their own.” Loneliness increases anxiety, depression, dementia, and heart disease. It’s as bad for life expectancy as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day.
This is not okay. This summer, let’s declare war on loneliness!
God created us for community, to be known, share burdens, and depend on each other. We can’t love people if we don’t spend time together. We can’t practice the fruit of the Spirit if we’re not in each other’s business. We can’t meet each other’s needs if we don’t know what they are.
And in hyper-individualistic America, it doesn’t happen without intentionality. This is where hospitality comes in:
Seek to show hospitality. (Romans 12:13)
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:9)
What was one reason the Early Church was so extraordinary? Because they ate together daily in each other’s homes. (Acts 2:46)
We can do this. Let’s do this! And summer is the perfect time – no homework, no sports, more daylight.
Here’s what works for me:
- Plan ahead. If I don’t plan, it usually doesn’t happen. Occasionally, the stars will align, and I’ll spontaneously decide in the afternoon that I have the availability, energy, and ingredients to have someone over that night. But then it takes four text messages to find people who are also free. It doesn’t always work. Planning in advance is the key: Looking ahead in my calendar to decide on open dates. Making a grocery list ahead of time. Lighting a fire under the kids in the morning to pick up their stuff (Trust me, this part is an extra perk to hospitality!).
- Make a list of people. Maybe this is weird, but it works. In my planner, I keep a running list of people I want to invite over. Neighbors. The kids’ soccer coaches. New people we met at church. And friends, of course. This way, when I have an open date, I already know who to call.
- Keep it simple. I’m not a fancy party person. I keep a list of meals to make for guests so that I don’t suffer from decision stress. Often, it’s a burrito bar or a pasta bar. Both are super easy to adapt for vegan or gluten-free diets. I like to cook from scratch, but neither option requires much cooking at all if that’s not your thing. Both can be easily adapted for small or large groups.
- I hope you know you also have permission just to order pizza. Who cares? It’s not about impressing people, it’s about spending time with people. Or just do dessert and games. Chocolate fondue in a mini crock pot (Chocolate chips and heavy cream, done. Chop up apples and strawberries, pull out pretzels and marshmallows. You’ll impress people – never mind what I just said.)
- Also, nobody cares if your house isn’t perfectly decorated or perfectly clean. That’s not what this is about. In fact, sometimes a non-perfect house is more comfortable than a perfect one.
Hospitality is a discipline. I don’t always “feel like it.” Opening my home is vulnerable. What if they think I’m weird? What if they just feel obligated to say yes? What if I burn something (again)? I must push past fears of awkwardness or rejection.
Because you know what usually happens instead? We get to hear an incredible story of redemption. We make new friends. We bask in the warmth of old friends. We laugh a lot. It’s fun. It’s beautiful. It’s living the way we were created to live, a glimpse of eternity in the midst of a strenuous journey.
Related: Please, Talk to the New Person
I Want to Need You
The Happiest Kind of Sadness: Portrait of a Friendship
