Guest by the Story Teller

June 5, 2017,  Guests

Almost without exception they would arrive with a smile and a look of anticipation. We would meet our guests at the dock and bring them abroad Safari (our 34’ sailboat). Since our friends would be hoping for a fun day of sailing, we usually planned the day to begin around 9:00, include lunch under sail and be in by 1:00. Truth is - 4 to 5 hours of sailing in the sun wears most folks out. Finishing before it got too hot, sharing stories and a few cold drinks worked magic. Our guests would leave as they came – smiling.

It takes a good hour to prepare a sailboat to go out so we tried to have everything ready, including lines and sails, before they arrived. After the sailing is over it would take another two hours to put Safari to bed. Making sure she is secure while we are away takes time, and all this work took place during the hottest part of the day.

We never spoke to our guests about the effort that went in to taking them sailing. We never expected them to help clean up, and while some offered, our answer was always – thank you but it is not a problem.

I am sure that our story is your story also. It may not include a boat, but every time you invited someone to be your guest, the amount of effort it took to plan, prepare and then clean-up was significant. Whether it was for family or friends, you gave and others enjoyed the results of your labors. Your gift - an act of love.

Sharing love can happen in many different ways and an occasional reminder of this is good.

Moral – Gifts of love can happen without you noticing. Remember to say thank you.