True Hospitality
By Grannie Pat James
Sometimes the smallest ones can teach us the greatest lessons. Yesterday my husband and I were unexpectedly schooled in the fine art of hospitality by two little girls—ages 2 and 3.
We were running errands and stopped by the home of a young family that we know through church to drop off a card. Their girls, although we are not related, always call us Grannie Pat and Grandpa Jerry.
The two year old opened the door. When she saw us Annie exclaimed, “We’ve got treats!” She literally leaped into my husband’s arms and kissed him on the neck.
As we sat visiting with her mom and dad, suddenly Annie appeared with a Disney Princess plate with two of the “treats,” heart-shaped cherry marshmallow Rice Krispies treats that her mom had been making for a baby shower.
Then we were asked if we would like some water. Instantly, a child-size plastic cup of cold water appeared. “You can share that,” three-year-old Emmeline instructed. Then, thinking of a better plan, she went to the kitchen and brought back a second cup of water. We were enjoying our treat as Annie insisted that we should drink the water, even helping it up to my mouth.
Meanwhile, thinking that Grandpa Jerry might be cold, Annie brought in a small blanket and tucked it around him.
The girls wanted to know if we would like another treat. We declined, hoping that the supply of goodies for the shower had not been hurt by their generosity.
As we visited with their parents, the girls stayed nearby, listening and sometimes joining in the conversation about recipes, doll clothes and upcoming events.
As we moved toward the door to leave, Emmeline left and quickly returned with a Disney Princess lip gloss in her hand. “It’s for Brenna,” she insisted, naming our 15-year-old granddaughter who loves the girls very much. I asked quietly if I should take the gift since makeup is very important to a three-year-old princess.
“Yes, but it’s used, “ her mom warned. Then jokingly she added, “I have some old lipstick you can have, if you want.”
Before our final goodbyes we received hugs from both girls and their parents. As we walked to our car we were smiling, knowing that we were loved and welcomed and ha seen hospitality at its finest. We had been greeted warmly, given food and drink, wrapped in a blanket, enjoyed a nice visit, made plans for a future visit, given a gift to deliver, and hugged goodbye.
Here are the “True Hospitality” girls—much older. We have no doubt that these precious girls will grow up to become hostesses who open their hearts and home to others. We were blessed.
The year Halloween fell on a Sunday, our church had the children dress in super hero costumes. The overall theme was the song, “Jesus is Our Superstar.” Pat came as “Super Grannie; Jerry wore “I turn wood into things; what’s your super power? “Teaching kids gives our inner child a chance to come out.
More additions are coming right up for the website.
We like to have fun with the kids. Pat is a fat pumpkin (Balloons make me look fat!) Jerry is the Uncle Si on Duck Dynasty with his iced tea. Dela is a ranch dog who was in jail for killing 30 baby chicks. Sadly true, but we still love her. She won 2nd place at the church party.
When we lived in Washington, we brought a little taste of South Texas to our Sunday School class. The kids and their families
came to our house for Cinco de Mayo with Mexican food, mariachi music, pinatas and lots of people!