We smiled as
we took our cones from the friendly teen at Brown’s Dairy Dock, and then we stepped
aside and looked around. Happy customers filled the half-dozen shaded picnic
tables at this popular ice cream stand; the blazing July sun beat down on the
few empty tables. We made our way to the side of the little building and stood in
the narrow shadow of the eaves. Dairy Dock’s orange/vanilla twist is a unique
treat; we didn’t mind standing.
A woman sitting
at one of the shaded tables caught my eye and offered, “We have room here.
Would you like to join us?” She and the young girls sitting with her moved in
closer together. We hesitated only a second before seating ourselves at the
table with them. We introduced ourselves and soon were sharing friendly stories
of places we’ve been and our plans for the rest of the summer. The conversation
continued even after we’d finished our ice cream. After a while we exchanged
goodbyes, hoping to run into each other there again another time.
“Would you
like to join us?” This simple gesture of hospitality was one of those
pebble-in-the-pond acts, where the magnitude of the offer is less remarkable
than the ripple effect it has. Connecting with someone new, listening to their
stories, and even just acknowledging the kindness of their offer added a glow
of happiness to our day. Our encounter was an example of the unity that God desires for all people – it
brought a bit of heaven to us.
“I… urge you
to live with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one
another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through
the bond of peace.”
-- Ephesians 4:1-3
Next week is
Thanksgiving. As we take time to thank God for blessing us with everything we
have and everyone we know, let’s use the gift of hospitality to bring this
little slice of heaven called unity to
our homes. Let’s open not only our doors but also our hearts. Let’s foster
unity by focusing on what we have in common, not our differences. Let’s truly listen
to what someone has to say so we understand where they’re coming from. Let’s bring
a bit of the joy of heaven to our home by showering each person with kindness. This is
true hospitality.
“Lord, give me the
courage to strengthen the bonds of unity between us.”
Thank you for
reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell
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Love this, reminds us to share a smile and make Heaven on Earth.
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