Monday, June 30, 2014

The Kindness of the Gracious Guest

"You cease to move into yourself, away from others.  You give up your antagonism.  You begin to move toward others in love.  God moved toward you in gracious, outgoing love, and you move toward others in that same outgoing love."
― E. Stanley Jones

Nine years ago, a friend of mine from college came to visit with her husband and two children over 4th of July weekend.  I still remember what terrific house guests they were.  They were pleasant and helpful.  They cleaned up after themselves.  They made dinner for us one night.  And then as the ultimate house guests, they washed the sheets and towels they used before leaving!

I was reminded of their kind graciousness recently as we traveled for a long weekend with another family.  They were great traveling companions.  Conversation was easy and we enjoyed each other's company.  The mom, who is incredibly thoughtful, brought all kinds of treats, and made several of her specialties for us to enjoy.  At departure time, her husband helped my husband load our car with our luggage. 

Visits from friends and trips can create great memories.  And the memory of kindness during those special occasions endures as well.

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