Tags
animated, benediction, Church, congregation, English, eyes, Family, feasting, German, grandfathers, Hospitality, innocent, Luncheon, mistake, morning, practice, pray, Prayer, pulpit, sermon, sick, Singing, speaker, Speech, storytelling, visit
HOS-PIT-AL-IT-Y
hos·pi·tal·i·ty n. pl. hos·pi·tal·i·ties
1. Cordial and generous reception of or disposition toward guests.
2. An instance of cordial and generous treatment of guests.
……………………………………….
It was an innocent mistake.
Really.
My grandfather had been invited to travel out of town for the weekend to preach at an English speaking church.
He and my Grandmother arrived on the Saturday and were invited to stay as guests of honour at the house of the Pastor and his family.
It all went so well.
His morning sermon was delivered perfectly. After all his years of practicing, his English was easy to understand even though he spoke with an undeniable German accent.
He was well known for being a powerful and animated speaker.
The sermon had been well received and he met many new people, and made as many new friends.
After the morning church service, there was a grand luncheon served in his honour.
There was feasting, story telling, and singing.
Later that day, after the evening service had been given by the regular pastor, my Grandfather was asked to come to the front of the church and give the closing benediction and prayer.
Arriving at the pulpit, he closed his eyes, and began to pray.
He prayed for the sick.
He thanked God for all of his blessings.
He thanked God for loved ones,
And then, with his eyes still closed in prayer, he thanked God for the kindness of the entire congregation and then proceeded to thank God for their…
…Hostility.
Epiphabets 