"Watermellon juice"
Family visits daily is the best way that I can explain what running a bed and breakfast is like and we absolutely love everything about it. We are blessed everyday with each and every one that comes to stay at our beautiful B&B and yesterday was another of those days. The Lange's are a beautiful couple that had so much love for themselves and for their God and it ozzed out of them. It was an honor to serve them. Touching hearts with acts of kindness is free but more valuable than money can measure. Here is the blog that Jim blessed me with this morning. I thought I'd share it with you.
"According to Jesus, the two greatest commandments are to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" and to "Love your neighbor as yourself." He then said that "All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (from Matthew 22:37-40) In other words, the Bible can be boiled down to four words, Love God & Love People. So what does this look like in the marketplace? Well I was blessed by being on the receiving end of that type of love this morning.
Today, my bride and I are celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary. To mark the occasion, I surprised her last night by taking her to a bed and breakfast we had never been to before. The Housley House in Grand Rapids, Ohio was built in 1883 and has quite a history. From the incredible interior to the outdoor garden in back to the beautiful river scenery out front, the entire place is amazing. But I discovered this morning what really makes this place special are the owners Don and Teresa Marie Williams.
We had a wonderful time talking with them on the porch last night. As a result of our conversation, Teresa Marie apparently went to my website to check me out. She must have stumbled upon the page that shares some odd facts about me (to the right) and discovered that I really like watermelon juice (I have only ever had this in Mexico). This morning Connie and I sat down on the porch for breakfast and she served us an awesome meal including fresh squeezed watermelon juice (pictured above)! She admitted that she had never prepared this before but she plans to make this a part of her menu rotation from now on.
I was very taken aback and was struck by the way she was showing love and honoring me. She was living out Jesus' command to "love your neighbor as yourself." And, she was doing this in the marketplace-how cool is that! And it wasn't just me who experienced this. Another guest for the evening was Terri and she was celebrating her 40th birthday today. Teresa Marie brought out a blueberry and white chocolate scone (that was delicious by the way) with a candle in it and we all sang Happy Birthday to Terri.
This really encouraged me to look for ways that I can be more loving in every encounter I have. I hope it does for you too!
By the way, if you ever decide to stay at the Housley House (which I highly recommend), you must ask them to tell you the candelabra story and how it is a confirmation to them that they are right where God wants them-it is incredible and will strengthen your faith!
