Hello to all.  One thought that has come to me from time to time is the hospitality extended while on my journey.  Hospitality is on of the traits of Christian outreach and service.  I believe I have been the recipient of some very gracious hospitality. 

 

While on the trip to Germany and Austria, Jeremy and I had the pleasure of one of the most hospitable tour guides.  Of course he gets paid to be nice, and we were paying, but Kurt was very helpful and patient with all those on our trip.  In return people responded well to him and were prompt for our departure times at the sites we visited and when we had to leave our hotel each morning.  Kurt knew how to insert humor just at the right time, could make fun of himself and help us all to laugh along.  Even with some who were difficult he did an incredible job of explaining himself and the needs of others on the tour.  One man had a cell phone and it went off incessantly throughout the trip, until Kurt asked him, to silence it.  The man didn't listen too well...but the phone calls got less.  It turned out that he is a jewel and diamond merchent from India and he had left his sons in charge of the businesses (2 stores), while he and his wife vacationed.  I know there are times one has to step away from ones profession and enjoy vacation, but this man was holding on too tight.  Anyway, Kurt was most helpful in responding to our questions, needs and inquiries. 

 

Another _expression of hospitality was while I was on the Isle of Iona.  I stayed at The St. Columba Hotel and the staff there were most helpful.  That was an essential on an island which had one public phone, no tv in the hotel, although residents could tune in; no bank and no cash machines.  There is one little post office, they claim that it is the smallest in Scotland--not much bigger than a closet.  There is no laundramat, so I was concerned about that...when I mentioned that I would like ot know where a laundramat might be found, I was told, there is none, but we will do a bag of laundry for you for 5 pounds.  Bring it to us in the morning and we will return it to your room. 

 

They also provided the greatest of meals.  I discovered that they have the reputation for the best meals on the island.  Boy was I glad.  My plan with them included, room, breakfast and dinner.  They were most gracious in providing meals that were wholesome and fresh cooked.  In fact the mackeral dinner I had one night had been fresh caught the night before by one of the hotel staff!  One aspect of a bed and breakfast I had not experienced before was sitting for meals at an assigned table...I was at table 4 and it corresponded to my room #4.  The view I had from the dining room was as fantastic as that from my room, looking out at the ocean, the island of Mull in the background and the incredible landscape and seascape before me. 

The staff always, in every encounter, were ready to serve, to attend to, and to help in any way.  It made the stay most enjoyable.  As a result the hotel was booked every day, all meals were booked and the lunches and tea times were filled as well.  When we provide hospitality, people respond.  It made me think of the good folks of Mt. Pleasant Church and the hospitality extended.  It is more than friendliness, but a deep sense of caring and compassion for another, reaching out, anticipating and responding to needs, sometimes even before they arise. 

 

Another aspect of hospitality I have discovered is that to receive it, sometimes one has to ask for help.  Believe me, this directionally challenged travelor has asked for help several times, and in every case I have received it, even when there is a language barrier.  So asking for help, responding in humility and being a gracious recipient are also components of hospitality.  I hope that you are able to extend some caring and gracious hospitality to another, and that you know the pleasure of hospitality in your journeys this summer.  God's blessing and peace to you...Dan.