Yesterday I found out a very dear friend of our family, Paul, had passed away. He was a remarkable and incredibly gifted man, who lived a very fullfilled life, but had been dealing with Alzheimer's for quite some time. Anyways--my mother and I took the past day and a half to make the vacant rooms in our house (count 'em:..1..2...3), suitable for any of Paul's relatives traveling to Decorah to stay in while they are here for the next few days rather than renting hotel rooms.
Two of his grandchildren are staying with us. One is a current Luther student and her brother, a recent Seminary grad, and his wife are also staying.
I have been thinking back on all of the home stays that I've been the recipient of in my life time. Tours and trips with music ensembles, weekends crammed like sardines with my Ultimate Frisbee team mates in someone's basement or camping in a stranger's backyard for tournaments. It's quite a concept, opening up one's most personal and private space (their home) to strangers.....I think we're called to do that with our hearts as well.
Very grateful to have our guests staying with us the next few days. Very grateful for the gifts and reminders their grandfather and his wife have taught me over the course of my growing up..... shine down Paul. Shine down.
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