Perfect Strangers
The other day, a young man came to the door. He was wearing a Highline lanyard and ID. As I am very pleased with my Highline internet, I invited him in to rest a minute and cool off. We chatted a while as I explained about our neighborhood, who would probably change to Highline, and who not to bother because of physical issues (we live in an ‘ancient people’ neighborhood). Ronald came into the room and after chatting a few minutes, he got the young man a bottle of water to take with him as he went around the area.
When he left, I asked Ronald what he thought of us inviting him to a meal on Sunday. Since Carter was from Utah and Idaho and he and his buddy were in a VRBO, we knew a home cooked meal would be welcome. Even with me cooking, a meal at our house would probably be acceptable. I texted an invitation which was readily accepted.
When I told my youngest daughter, Melissa, what we had done, she was appalled. ‘Mom! You invited perfect strangers into your house!!!???’
Yep. And yes, they were perfect strangers. What nice young people! It is always refreshing being around young ones, and we enjoyed our time together. Plus, they beat Ronald at pool. And my cooking turned out pretty good!
And!
Miracles happen!
I followed a recipe! And guess what? The pecan bars turned out perfectly! Who knew following a recipe could make that happen? I’ll have to try it again sometime.
It was interesting as we compared Southern cuisine to what they typically eat out West. While in Georgia, they have yet to eat fried okra or fried green tomatoes. Culinary delights in my book! But I know it would be better to eat those things at a restaurant than at my house with me cooking. They don’t eat many pecan desserts or peaches. When I was telling Ronald my menu for the day, he said I had to include potatoes, so I got potato chips. When we asked them what they typically ate, Spencer said beef and potatoes!
It was interesting to compare notes about local wildlife. Some things were the same – deer, skunks, and snakes. They weren’t familiar with armadillos. They have porcupines. Their area has moose and elk. Wouldn’t it be cool to go out in the yard and see those two honkin’ big creatures roaming around? I’d be taking pictures like crazy.
They were pleasantly surprised at the friendliness of the people here. It made me so happy to hear that the respect for others we display here was obvious. Good going, Georgia!
So in answer to my daughter’s question about inviting perfect strangers into our home, the answer is, yes, I did. They, like the rest of us, are not perfect, but they were nowhere near strange! And now my ‘perfect strangers’ have become new friends.
The Bible is chocked full of stories of hospitality and admonitions to be hospitable. Hospitality is a gifting the Lord has given to both Ronald and me, and we are always blessed by the encounters whether we invite ‘perfect strangers’ or old friends into our home.
Hebrews 13:1-2 TLB says to ‘Continue to love each other with true brotherly love. Don’t forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!’
Wouldn’t that be the coolest thing ever?
But in the meantime, we had a nice time with a couple of kids a long way from home.
Blessings
Kara Beth
