When there's a knock at your door, what are your immediate thoughts and feelings? Are you excited at who might be there? Or, do you have a sick feeling in your stomach as you walk towards the door with a red face from embarrassment, as you open the door just enough so the person can't see into what a mess you live in?
What do you walk into when you enter your home? What is the first thing you see? What do you feel like when you come through the door after being away from your house? Whether it's an entry, foyer, living room or kitchen; what does it look like right now? Does it make you feel good? Are you relaxed at the thought of it?
The Lord wants us to be welcoming to people in our homes. Not keep them outside in the wind and rain, having to peer through a crack in the door because you don't want them to be able to see inside, or worse yet, because you can't pry the door open any further than that! If you've allowed the place that you walk into upon entering your home to become an unwelcoming place, then you need to deal with that. If your entire house is an embarrassment, then you'll need to deal with that too, but
one day at a time. Today, focus on that front door. Look at what you need to pick up, put away and clean. Think of why you feel anxious and hesitant when someone's at the door.
Now think of being that someone receiving your welcome on the other side. What kind of a welcome do they get when your answer the door?
What is your heart?
It's embarrassing when people see us at our worst. It's like being in 3rd grade with your zipper down and the class laughing. But, if you've let your home overtake your heart, then it's time to re-evaluate. God wants you to welcome people into your home,
no matter what it looks like.
You are touching a person's life when they come in contact with you. It doesn't matter if it's a stranger or a close friend. Once they see you, you've become a part of their day; a part in their life. How you choose to respond to their presence in your life at
any given moment is up to you. God may be sending you an angel, or He may be sending someone for you to be an "angel" to. While taking care of your house
is important (the Lord gave it to you) don't forget that
people are the Lord's
most precious gift. What will you be like the next time there's a knock at the door? Remember, more importantly than what your house looks like, is
what you are when you're in it.
Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the house that You've given to me. I pray that I would get things done so that I would feel better about people entering. I also pray that You would give me a sense of peace that comes from You so that I would be able to focus on who is coming into my home instead of what they are coming in to. Take away apprehension when someone knocks, that I might be gracious and welcoming to all those who enter.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
© 2004 Amy Verlennich
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