We also live within walking distance of the church. Not only do I have a short commute, but we also invite people over after church, like the young adult group that comes over a few times a year.
I love having people over. But inevitably with the busy-ness of Sunday morning, the house is not as tidy as I would like by the time the group opens the door.
I don't intend to invite people into a messy house. It just ends up that way sometimes. Life happens, the weekend is busy and, well, there are just so many hours in the day.
Honestly, it's more about what I'm comfortable with than it is about how much stuff is lying around. I want people to think I have it together - and a spotless, clutter-free abode is a sign of that.
The problem is if people think you are too perfect and polished, they aren't as comfortable opening up to you. Luckily, no one is afraid to open up to me. If they see that pastors have the same struggles and time-management issues as everyone else, that means pastors are real people.
Inviting people into my home is a sign that I am willing to journey alongside these people no matter what shape my life is in, and to give them the opportunity to accept me and my messy house. Maybe then they will know that they don't have to have their lives completely together before they have a relationship with God.
Ignoring the dust bunnies isn't laziness; it's ministry.