Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. – Romans 12:12-13

Overnight, in a nice break from the sometimes stressful rhythms of reality, we enjoyed a visit from our sister-in-law Lynda and her beautiful Welsh Springer Spaniel, Ellie.

Max played the perfect host and seemed to enjoy the company of another pup. So the “grown-ups” were able to have a good visit too. Lynda, who has been showing Ellie at AKC events, had been to a “show-dog and trainer” seminar in Virginia and was stopping by to visit in Tarboro on her way home.

Unfortunately Lynda’s husband – Rebekah’s eldest brother Roy – is not able to travel at this time. He is still receiving full-time care over in Winston-Salem and that will remain an ongoing need for him (“The Love that will not let us go…“).

I had some mahi-mahi on deck to cook and Rebekah asked me to prepare her favorite sauce. Last time I served the concoction with salmon and rice, but Monday evening the combination of mahi and roasted potatoes was borderline perfect.

So, in answer to the question that I know is on your mind, “No, we do not need to bring another dog home as a friend for Max!” Max has several good friends and we are happy for them to come and visit.

I think that what Rebekah and I enjoy most about hospitality is the opportunity to share what brings us joy and pleasure with other people.

Good things tend to taste sweeter and the house feels even more perfect when we have the occasion to let all the goodness spill over.

We are blessed and we are grateful – DEREK