I'm having a Christmas party with tennis league ladies, most of whom I barely know. I am so happy and excited about it. But to get to this place, I had to overcome three hospitality lies that were keeping me lonely.

#1 My House Has to Be HGTV Perfect

I watched a lot of HGTV years ago. During one show, a couple walked into a master bathroom that looked just like mine. “It's going to require a complete gut!” the couple declared. I laughed, but I also got the message that my house either needed to be fully updated or people would wrinkle their noses in disgust.

I still felt pretty good about my house until I started attending a new Bible study with my husband. The couples took turns hosting and each house was more elaborate than the last. I was too intimidated to take a turn hosting. What's more is we didn't connect with the other couples, so we dropped out.

#2 A Rejected Invitation Means No One Wants to Come

I have invited friends in the past who either said no (and didn't suggest an alternate date) or just ignored me. That hurt, no question about it.

But it doesn't mean that there aren't people who would love an invitation. I started thinking about how nice the women in my new tennis league have been to me, and how much they enjoyed an end-of-season, tennis-court party one of the ladies planned. I thought maybe they would want to come to a Christmas party at my house. But then lie #3 reared its ugly head.

#3 People Are Too Busy to Come Now

We are heading into the holidays when everyone is too busy. There isn't a spare weekend, that's for sure. It would be ridiculous to invite these ladies to a party now, right?

But then I thought about the fact that our tennis league met on Wednesday nights. What if I invited them on a Wednesday?

I wrote the group text message, hit send, and immediately regretted it. I figured they would ignore the message or say they were just too busy.

The first lady to respond said she was in Florida. Regrettably, she wouldn't be able to come. But a few minutes later, the next lady said I was sweet to make the invitation. She could make two Wednesdays in December. The rest of the ladies said it sounded like so much fun. We quickly agreed on a date that everyone but the snowbird could attend. They're all excited, but especially me. I couldn't sleep as I mentally planned the party games and food.

Your Invitation

I wish I could invite you all to a party in my home. I can't, but I do invite you to rethink hospitality. First, entertain with what you have. In 2 Kings 4, the Shunammite woman urged Elisha to eat with them without making special accommodations. Only later did she furnish a guest room for him. Good guests will not be judging your home.

Next, understand that God knows what it's like to have an invitation rejected. Matthew 22:3 reads, “He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.” But He doesn't quit inviting. We can't either. Ask new people to join you.

Finally, recognize that there are many people who would jump at the chance to be a guest in our homes, especially at this time of year when loneliness hits hard. I also invited my neighbors for dinner in December, and they said they are really looking forward to it. I am too.

If you decide to invite someone to your home, please let me know!

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