In Fran’s House

Yesterday was the day of Fran’s monthly luncheon. It is always a pleasure and a privilege to attend. This dear lady is gifted with hospitality and, I believe, is being used by the Lord to reach out to other women. She is generous with her time, food, and home. Her yard, front and black, blooms with plants and flowers of many colors. Her home is beautiful on the outside and inside, sort of like Fran herself.

Generosity, old-fashioned hospitality, is not limited to our country but it is certainly prevalent here. I am reminded of the people of my parents’ and grandparents’ era. They never locked their doors; there was no reason. When anyone was in need of shelter or food, they were willing to share. A story handed down to us by my parents  is of a family who was traveling, by wagon, to a new home, and were caught unawares by a blizzard. They stayed with my grandparents for three days. Ma and Pappy Latty shared their house and their food with the family, their barn and their grain with the travelers’ horses. They never asked for nor received a cent in payment. Pappy Latty always kept a tin cup by his spring. Anyone who passed by and needed a drink of water, was free to take it. They trusted other people and other people trusted them. That’s just the way it was. Generosity, hospitality, was expected. It was freely given and freely received.

Fran’s table was full to overflowing yesterday. Her house buzzed with the lively chatter of women. It is so interesting to talk to these ladies, from diverse backgrounds, different ages, different interests. One thing we all have in common is our love for the Lord Jesus and our acceptance of each other as sisters in Christ. It was a blessed time, as it always is. Thanks, Fran!