That far corner, tho…
I was kind of grumbling to myself while I made up the guest bed. Our loft serves as a makeshift guest room, and the twin bed is stuffed in the corner next to an Ikea dresser. I could barely get my hand between the bed and the wall, and was having difficulty wrapping the elastic around the mattress. So I was grumbling, but I caught myself. I realized it wasn't the minor irritation of getting the sheet to fit, it was the fact that our dear friend who had just stayed in our guest room was gone. Her visit was far too short for someone we consider like an extra daughter, (see below). Of course, our time together was sweet, and as I wrestled with the pillowcase and fluffed the comforter, my attitude began to change. I realized that I've made this bed a hundred times over the years. And each time I've done so, it's been because we've had a guest. Many of them are missionaries and have gone to exotic places after their brief stay with us. Many came as strangers and left as friends. Others came as friends and left as if they were family. In that moment, I understood again what a privilege it is to have all these people in our lives. I thanked God again for our home and for our little guest room.
* * * * * * *
So let me tell you about Beth. She's a YWAMer who is on staff in Harpenden, England. She leads Discipleship Training Schools, YWAM's 6-month university-level course. We met Beth seven years ago when she served at the YWAM center in Las Vegas. There she led a Mission Adventures ministry. And we all just love her. The kids think she's hilarious, and fun, and smart. Kay Charlotte and I admire her and believe in her ministry. Every time we've worked with her, we've come away impressed with this young woman. But what's so sweet about this is that she's willfully come to us and treated us like extra parents. She's leaned into us for advice. And she's always been so thoughtful and kind. And this time when she visited she shared stories about her recent outreach to a place we can't name, but we can tell you that she worked with refugees. What she does is strategic and meaningful, and we are proud to call her one of our own. It's safe to say that our house is filled with Beth fans. We all had mixed emotions as we sent her on her way. Yes, I'm grateful for our guest bed, even if it's challenge to make!