Dear Honey Run friends,
We are in full swing of the busy autumn season at The Inn. We have been going strong since reopening in early May and the pace has been “pedal to the metal.” There has not been a moment to catch our breath since reopening from the COVID-19 shutdown. We are extremely blessed to be in this position as we know so many in our industry are struggling. This is the first time in our 38-year history that we are benefiting from our remote location. Our business model was socially distanced before this became an everyday phrase. We thank each and every one of you for your patronage and loyalty. Your choosing to come spend a respite from the world with us has been a blessing to each of the forty souls who work for The Inn, as well as the hundreds of vendors we use to supply our daily needs.
I am writing this on Sunday just after returning from a funeral of the father of one of our team members. Today was a perfect autumn day with a cool breeze, but in the sun, a warmth came over you. As I was attending the socially-distanced funeral at the cemetery, I was left without words of the beauty of the valley. This cemetery sits on a hill and overlooks the Holmes County landscape. The Honor Guard was there, because this man served our country in Vietnam. It never fails to choke me up as the guns fire, taps are played, and the flag is presented to the surviving family. As I stood in this cathedral with the sky as its ceiling, I contemplated my life and what would be said at my funeral. This contemplation made me question my time management and things I dedicate the most time in my life too. Are the hours spent smoking a cigar the best use of my short time on earth? Have I lived by the principles and faith I believe to be true? Have I honored God with the way I used my talents, opportunities, and money He has blessed me with in this life? Have I loved my neighbor as myself? Did I leave it all on the field or did I hold back?
These questions are challenges to me each day to live a life that I will be proud to stand in front of my Creator and answer for all that I have been entrusted with in my life. I know I fail often and miss the mark, but my soul yearns for perfection. I am thankful that I serve a loving God, and I place my eternity in His trust.
It’s interesting how autumn often brings death contemplations to me. I am not sure if it is because the season is an ending of this year’s life cycle or if it is the cooler dark days that cause me these reflections, but I am grateful for them. While death is sad, it is part of the process of life, and we know that it is just the beginning of our life story. The best is yet to come.
Your contemplative Innkeeper,
Jason
WOW Jason!! Your words here were well thought about and spoken. Natural reflections of life and nature both created by God to glorify God! I’m thankful God has made a way for me (and all my shortcomings)and empowers me through Christ to have a life filled with great meaningful worth. God sees Christ when he sees me and THAT is enough which motivates me to press on!! Thanks for sharing such transparency and beautiful thoughts that truly glorified God. Brenda
Dear Jason,
It is very ironic that you should speak of death in your letter. On September 22-24 three of my good friends and I came to Honey Run. Just a girl time and we so much enjoyed being there. One week later one of my friends that came with us passed away in her sleep. She was not sick and one day we were all texting and the next day she was gone. I, too, have faith that she is now in the hands of God. Our last outing at Honey Run will always be one of our special memories. Thank you
Jason
You nailed it. The things of this life are just that. Things. My Dad always said this. Son. If you miss heaven you missed it all. Thanks for your insight.
Such beautiful reflections from all of you! I can only say, Amen! And look forward to seeing you next week!
Robin
Dear Jason,
It was a pleasure to see you again recently when we were blessed to spend a few days at our very special retreat, The Inn at Honey Run. God’s presence is always with us, but He is surely felt in the pastoral atmosphere of your Inn and the majesty of His creation that inhabits the atmosphere of the Inn and its surroundings. Yes, there is a death that happens in the fall and winter, but it is not really final, as Christ demonstrates. We, as seed, must return to the ground to be raised with Him in glory. …. all exemplified for us in the glorious spring that follows – and is in full array at Honey Run. As you run the race set before you, know He is pleased that you seek to serve Him – be assured, you do~
Very inspirational message and it hits the highlights of this mortal life, and we all have faith there is more to come. We all look forward with faith and hope for our eternal home. Thanks for your great reminder!
I love your reflections on creation and I love, love, love the fact that you are a great steward of what God has entrusted us with. We are looking forward to having lunch at the Tarragon on Monday, October 26 and dinner Wednesday evening on October 28.