PRACTICE HOSPITALITY

A number of years ago, Jim and I were in the market for a lawn mower. We did our research and went to the mall to a store that had that kind of thing. After standing around for some time, unable to find someone to help us, we left and headed home. We passed a small farm equipment store and stopped in. Someone immediately offered to help us. We had just moved to the country, and it turned out that the owner lived just down the road from us. We also didn’t have one of those credit cards that was good everywhere so the owner told us to take the mower, pay what we could and send in the remainder when we were able.

During the time we lived in Charlottesville, the downtown main street was paved over to create an outdoor mall. I enjoyed shopping there. We had lived in the area long enough that I knew some of the merchants, and the personal attention was nice – unlike the “other” mall in town where it didn’t matter who I was.

Last year we were again looking for a mower, and after standing around a large home equipment store and not able to find someone to help us, we left, sought out a phone directory and headed straight to the dealer who carried the same brand that we had bought once before. It took us a while, but again we were met with assistance and willingness to make sure we got what we needed. They will even come to the house to service the new mower. (This one is too big to fit in the trunk.)

Recently one of my favorite stores closed. I started going to this store for my coffee needs soon after we moved to this area. I was always greeted, as were all of the customers, and offered a cup of coffee or tea. I never felt rushed to make a decision. I often took time to smell the varieties of coffee or tea, to determine which I would try next. Although I’m not sure that they knew my name, they remembered my favorite flavors and whether I wanted “beans” or “ground.”

Several years ago I was very fortunate to be on a week-long retreat with author Madeleine L’Engle as the featured speaker. She spoke of her walks from the Metro to her place of work, St. John the Divine Church. As she makes this trip every day, she sees the faces of the homeless and the needy. In those faces she tries to see Jesus. During this time of Lent as we await the risen Lord, are we welcoming and open to those who enter our doors, or are we standing back and waiting for them to voice their needs?

— Mary Anne Noland

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist