Dear Honey Run Friends,
This past year has been extremely busy for me. Countless challenges have arisen and most days I am just tired. Through the exhaustion I do not have the clarity of mind to ask why? To stop and contemplate the lesson I am to be learning through all these situations. I am just in go mode. I recognize this is a season in my life therefore I am not wrought with worry. But occasionally, I have a shorter day of work and I think why this is happening. I am not unhappy with the work, and I really feel blessed for the opportunity to dive deeper into each department at The Inn. I never would have taken the time for this without being forced so that is a positive.
Throughout this season I have seen where I complain a lot about our staffing issues and my struggles. It has been heavy on my heart this past month to change that course. I choose joy. I am choosing each day to wake up and see the blessings over the challenges. For instance, it pains me that we have shortened hours at the Inn some weeks due to staffing shortages, but I am overwhelmed with joy for the days we are open for business. I am overwhelmed with the understanding from all of you and for your loyalty. I am filled with joy that the days we are open we are able to offer the full Honey Run experience without limiting our services to our guests. I am filled with joy for the team members we do have who give their all in all they do to provide each guest with a first-class, loving, and memorable experience for each and every guest at Honey Run.
Life does not usually go the way I think it should, but I have learned that God’s plan is always better than mine. I certainly push back and try to forge my will forward but He always help me correct my path and He gives me a better result than I could have ever made for myself. So, in all I do, and in all my tired days I give glory to God, and I am filled with joy knowing He is with me on this journey. Work is a blessing, just ask the millions of immigrants who want to come to America for the opportunity to work. It is through our works that we praise our Creator and hopefully place others before ourselves. I have often said that we are not curing cancer at the Inn, but we do make a difference in people’s lives. When you are able to take some time away from your busy life and just be with yourself, be with your loved one, be with nature, be with God, you are blessed. We provide the backdrop for this valued time in your life, and it is an honor and joy to be a small part in all of your lives.
I pray joy oozes out of you this day forward and even in the worst of life’s situations you can feel the love and joy of Jesus helping you through.
Your joy filled Innkeeper,
Jason
James 1:2-3
“Count it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Bless you for being there and your commitment to the Inn. We have been there a few times and hope to be back one day (we live in AL now). It IS a wonderful place to relax, reflect, recharge and find Joy!
Please know and let your committed staff know that their hard work and attention to detail is much appreciated. We hope the times change soon so you can all have a break to relax and recharge yourselves also!
May all you feel God’s love and support.
Always a pleasure to read your posts!
Enjoy your letters. Also enjoy staying with you and dinning by myself and with friend(s). Continue the good work. 😊👍👍🙏🙏
Hi Jason,
Your letters are an inspiration to me.
Hello Jason,
I can somewhat identify with your dilemma although I have not dealt with what you have gone through recently. Having a business and dealing with the shortage of willing workers is a serious problem for so many. I want to say, “continue to be encouraged”. I love how you focus on the positive and it encourages me as well. Your words are truly a blessing. It is a new day for all of us. The Honey Run has always been a tranquil retreat and getaway for me and my husband, although the last time that we were there was pre-pandemic, we still cherish our times there. I hope to get back soon after some things are settled. Praying for your continued success.
Thank you for inspiration
Jason, we have stayed at the Inn on many occasions. Unfortunately, with the menace of Covid we are forced to curtail all travels. If and when Covid makes its exit, we will be seeing you and the Inn once again. Over the many stays we have seen many different rooms in the Inn, everyone of them something new and inviting, like watching the squirrels darting along the walls to the bird feeders on the windows.
Also, we stayed on many occasions in the hillside catacombs, sitting outside admiring the beautiful plantings, observing the birds and then in the evening enjoying sitting by the fire place in a wonderfully appointed room.
The walks on the pathways in such a serene setting shut out the world and opened up the natural wonders of the property. Yes, we also miss the Tarragon Room for breakfast and dinner, meals served to delight any palate… and the setting, oh the wonderful setting in the trees.
We’ll make it back! The good Lord willing and even if the Honey Run shall rise. Until then, keep the faith. Better times are coming!
Jason, I preached on “A Joyful Heart” this past Sunday! I found an awesome definition of “joy” which says, Joy is a feeling of good pleasure & happiness that is dependent on who Jesus is rather than on who we are of what is happening around us. The word “joy” is found 150 times in the Bible and when you add joyful and joyous, it all adds up to 200! A good verse is John 16:24, I believe that is where you may be now, keep up the good work! Judie Frank (Hope we can join you again soon!)
Beautifully written. Hang in there my friend. 🙏🙏🙏
What a lovely letter.
It makes me that more excited to be visiting this weekend for the first time.