Part 3 of a series taken from material created by Patricia Miozza. Parts 1 and 2 are in the archives at June 6 and June 13, 2016.
Let’s get down to brass tacks. Assuming you actually have a guest room and guest bath (which I stress in all caps IS NOT NECESSARY!), here is “the guest room test.”
Sleep in your own guest room just as it is, using the guest room pillows (you are not allowed to use the pillows from your own bed). See if you are comfortable and think about the following checklist. Ask yourself if there are any improvements you are able to make. If you do not have an actual guest room, think about ways to make your sleeping area as comfortable as possible.
Is the mattress comfortable?
Are the pillows comfortable?
Are the sheets and blankets comfortable?
Do you have extra blankets for those who might like to sleep warmer?
Are there end tables on both sides of the bed, i.e., places to set down a glass of water, eyeglasses, a book, medicine, etc.?
Are there lamps beside the bed for reading or to find one’s way in the dark without having to walk across the room to the light switch?
Is there a mirror to dress by?
Are there space and hangers in the closet to hang up clothes?
Is there a box of tissues and a waste basket?
Does the window open easily for a guest who wants fresh air, and a screen in the window for that purpose as well?
Are their curtains or shades for privacy?
Is there a place to set luggage or a luggage stand?
Is there a chair (often needed when dressing)?
Is there an alarm clock?
Are there guest towels set out in the bathroom, and more in case needed?
Are there toiletries like soap and shampoo and plenty of toilet tissue? ( I keep a painted porcelain pail of all types of travel size toiletries, including shower gel, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, dental floss, hand and body lotions, chapstick, bath talc, shave cream, a disposable razor, and a clean toothbrush in the bathroom closet—dw.)
As stated above, your house may not be the Ritz. A fold-out sofa, a cot in the den, or an air mattress on the family room floor may be all you have to offer, but most guests—and all Christians, we hope—are gracious and grateful for whatever you offer. Spending this kind of time together promotes an intimacy that keeps misunderstandings at bay and creates deeper relationships that last a lifetime. God knew what He was doing when He commanded hospitality.
Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Prov 15:17
Dene Ward
Let’s get down to brass tacks. Assuming you actually have a guest room and guest bath (which I stress in all caps IS NOT NECESSARY!), here is “the guest room test.”
Sleep in your own guest room just as it is, using the guest room pillows (you are not allowed to use the pillows from your own bed). See if you are comfortable and think about the following checklist. Ask yourself if there are any improvements you are able to make. If you do not have an actual guest room, think about ways to make your sleeping area as comfortable as possible.
Is the mattress comfortable?
Are the pillows comfortable?
Are the sheets and blankets comfortable?
Do you have extra blankets for those who might like to sleep warmer?
Are there end tables on both sides of the bed, i.e., places to set down a glass of water, eyeglasses, a book, medicine, etc.?
Are there lamps beside the bed for reading or to find one’s way in the dark without having to walk across the room to the light switch?
Is there a mirror to dress by?
Are there space and hangers in the closet to hang up clothes?
Is there a box of tissues and a waste basket?
Does the window open easily for a guest who wants fresh air, and a screen in the window for that purpose as well?
Are their curtains or shades for privacy?
Is there a place to set luggage or a luggage stand?
Is there a chair (often needed when dressing)?
Is there an alarm clock?
Are there guest towels set out in the bathroom, and more in case needed?
Are there toiletries like soap and shampoo and plenty of toilet tissue? ( I keep a painted porcelain pail of all types of travel size toiletries, including shower gel, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, dental floss, hand and body lotions, chapstick, bath talc, shave cream, a disposable razor, and a clean toothbrush in the bathroom closet—dw.)
As stated above, your house may not be the Ritz. A fold-out sofa, a cot in the den, or an air mattress on the family room floor may be all you have to offer, but most guests—and all Christians, we hope—are gracious and grateful for whatever you offer. Spending this kind of time together promotes an intimacy that keeps misunderstandings at bay and creates deeper relationships that last a lifetime. God knew what He was doing when He commanded hospitality.
Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Prov 15:17
Dene Ward
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