Trust, Kindness and Deeper Roots
After my last journal posting, I received an email from some Inn Keepers in Colorado who had read my blog and felt led to reach out and encourage us. It was so meaningful to connect with fellow Inn Keepers, share experiences, and know that we now had a resource for prayer and support in this unique calling. They even started a group on SimpleChurch.com called “Inn Keepers in Christ,” where others can join and share what God is doing in their lives as Inn Keepers. So far, we are the only ones in the group, but I pray others will join as they discover it. Being Inn Keepers is such a beautiful way to touch lives as people stay, eat, and share space with you during their travels.
We had our first full weekend guests last weekend—two women from Florida. One came to visit family, and the other came to support her friend through what turned out to be a very difficult family visit. We were able to pray with her and offer encouragement and support. It was our first taste of what the “normal” season will be like at the Inn, and wow… I was exhausted! Being present—praying, cooking, talking, resetting rooms, and simply being “on” all weekend—takes a lot out of you. I trust that, like anything new, it will become easier with time and experience.
Oh—and right after my last journal entry, I did end up moving my alarm from 6:30 to 6:00 a.m., and it has been so nice to have that extra time with the Lord.
On Friday, October 23rd, I picked up Marteen, G, and F and brought them to the Inn so they could see where we are now. I hosted a small luncheon for them, and the weather could not have been more perfect. After lunch, we walked around the grounds and then sat together on the gazebo swing, enjoying the sunshine, the breeze, and the beauty of the pond, trees, and fountain. It was one of those moments you wish you could capture and bottle forever. Being able to share this blessing with them meant so much to me.
Speaking of G and F, F celebrated her 81st birthday on November 4th. Since that day usually overlaps with my time with Marteen, we baked cookies together in the morning and then went to G and F’s house for lunch to celebrate. We brought some of the peanut butter cookies we made and fresh-cut flowers from Marteen’s garden. It was such a sweet and joyful time together.
Back at the Inn, I feel like I’ve completed most of the major projects on my list. I’ve gone through closets and cupboards, cleaning, sorting, and organizing everything so I know exactly what we have. One organizing project, however, didn’t go quite as planned. While sorting dishes in the kitchen, I didn’t realize one of the shelf support tabs was missing. When I lifted plates from one side, the weight shifted, and suddenly an avalanche of glass came cascading forward. I quickly set the plates down and slammed the cabinet door shut, but my heart was racing for a good twenty minutes afterward. After carefully cleaning everything up, I was amazed to find that only about ten small plates, saucers, and cups were broken. It could have been so much worse, and I truly believe there was some angelic assistance that day! Thankfully, the owner was incredibly gracious and not upset at all—though it certainly wasn’t the kind of “first impression” I would have preferred to make.
The owners have also offered to host a “Welcome” party for us, which we scheduled for November 21st. Invitations have gone out, and so far about sixty adults and children have confirmed. I’m praying for good weather so we can enjoy being outside as well.
My eye situation continues to be a lesson in trust. After being released from my eye doctor’s care, I was prescribed both morning and nighttime drops. The Lord provided for the nighttime drops, but the morning ones are very expensive. A friend discovered that an alternative drop was available at Target for only $4, but it requires a new prescription—which my former doctor refused to provide since I’m no longer under his care. So for now, I’m facing the higher cost again. Still, I’m not worried. The Lord is my Healer and my Provider, and I trust that this will be resolved in His perfect timing. Lord, help me to wait on You and not try to fix everything myself.
The Lord continues to take me deeper into learning what it truly means to trust Him—especially with finances. He keeps revealing my heart and showing me where fear and control still creep in. Recently, He asked me to give even when my own needs were not yet met. I had $40 set aside for gas and groceries when He prompted me to give $20 to someone in need. Then He asked me to give $10 toward Samaritan’s Purse shoeboxes, and later even the last $2 I had left. Shortly after, He blessed us with unexpected provision—first $23, then $40 over the next two days—replacing what I gave and adding even more. Each time, He proves Himself faithful, and each time I learn a little more to give freely, without fear, trusting that my Father in heaven knows exactly what I need and when I need it.
Another lesson came through our Thursday group as we read Authentic Relationships by Wayne Jacobsen. We talked about Jesus’ call to kindness and compassion, especially in situations where we’ve been hurt or wronged. That very night, I was given an opportunity to practice what we had just discussed. Tom wasn’t feeling well and, for no apparent reason, was unusually unkind to me. Normally, I would respond with anger, but instead I calmly removed myself, went to the “Mickey” room, and prayed—asking God to give me His compassion and love for Tom. I slept peacefully and was able to greet him the next morning with kindness and concern. He was apologetic, and the morning unfolded with peace instead of conflict. I know I cannot live this way on my own strength, but in that moment, God’s grace carried me.
Father, I pray that Your Holy Spirit will continue to give me the strength and courage to walk in kindness and compassion—not just occasionally, but as a way of life. I pray for the Body of Christ as well, that we would reflect Your love most clearly, especially toward those who hurt or wrong us. It is only by Your grace and power that we can live this way, for Your glory and Your honor. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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