Dear Honey Run friends,
Christmas and the Holidays are fast approaching and if you’re anything like me, you’ll blink and the season will be over, seemingly before it began. Well, this past week I finally heeded my own advice and slowed down a little. I spent three days away from the Amish Country holiday season, flying to Florida to visit my last remaining grandparent, my grandfather. It was an uneventful trip but it was an experience I will savor for the rest of my life.
We ran some errands together and went to the plant shop to replace a couple of his indoor plants. We also went to church together, the final church where he served as a Lutheran minister before he retired 1990. I was humbled to see the church members who remembered him and listen to their stories about how he affected their lives. My grandfather was a major supporter of me purchasing The Inn at Honey Run and while I’m sure his faith in me in me during my teenage years was weak, there was no denying his faith in me with this new venture. Without his love and support I would not be here at The Inn at Honey Run.
You might think this kind of support would be the greatest gift a grandparent could bestow to an heir, but it is not—the greatest gift my grandfather and grandmother gave me was my faith. They, through their words, actions, and their son, my father, taught me about my Lord and Savior and brought me up in a Christian home. I rebelled and challenged their beliefs and studied the other world religions and even pondered the possibility of no God existing until my awakening in my early twenties, when the religion and faith of my grandfather and then my father became my faith by my choosing.
This gift that they passed on to me is the one that means the most to me in this life. Without my faith my life was alright, but when I connected my beliefs with my heart, my life’s trajectory changed to one of joy. I still weather my fair share of ups and downs, but my foundation is deep and times of struggle or unhappiness do not last forever. My faith and joy do.
For those of you who share this faith of mine, Merry Christmas. For those of you who have differing beliefs or world views, Happy Holidays! I pray that all of you have a blessed holiday season and receive a gift that you will cherish forever.
Your faithful friend,
Jason
Love, Love, Love your letters that you write…Thank you!
Having lost my partner 3 months ago has severely tried my faith, but ultimately I know he’s at peace, free of his pain and rejoicing with his Lord and Savior. But for myself who remains, I question God’s ability to heal (I know He still does, but not my friend); trying to pick up those pieces of a once happy life to now a life of void. I have to believe we’re here on this for a short time, to change people’s lives and they in-turn, ours. The ‘seasons of life’, a ‘new’ normal are things I’m finding our in this journey. Thanks for reminding me of ‘joy’, and in time I pray that will return to my life.
A.T.
Jason it was by fate that we met over a diet pepsi…so glad your staff exemplify your beliefs in that kindness, goodness and helpfulness is shown to all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year…In Christian Love Jim and Sandy
Merry Christmas to you too Jason. Sounds like you had a wonderful visit with your grandfather. Thank you for sharing it with us. You obviously are a blessing to your family.
Jason my husband and I just celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary at the Inn for 2 delightful days. I remarked about the unusual peace and contentment that we experienced there at your Inn. After reading your testimony, I now know why we experienced this peace. We too share your commitment and I so appreciated hearing that conviction from you. We will return for sure for more of the same and those delicious dinners, too!! Thank you, Beth Kaselak.
Thank you for the kind words, Beth, and congratulations on your anniversary. I’m glad you enjoyed Tarragon. We look forward to welcoming you again.
-Jason
Have a blessed Christmas Jason and blessings to your staff. The true meaning of Christmas is with you. May His light keep growing at The Inn bringing His best gifts.
Merry Christmas Jason, I enjoyed reading your letter and thank you for sharing some of your story. Have a blessed Christmas season.
Thank you, Valerie. All of these warm responses have made the season that much more joyful for me and the staff here at Honey Run. Cheers, everyone.
Jason, we are so proud of you for the person you are. I know the Inn has been your dream. We pray God continues to bless you and your patrons as they enjoy the beauty of the Inn at Honey Run. The Inn is more than just a destination. It is an experience of enjoying God’s creation.