True Hope and a Future

A few days ago marked our 20th anniversary.  Since new flooring became a priority (I learned I'm allergic to dust) rather than taking a big trip somewhere, Bob and I celebrated by spending last weekend at the nicest hotel in Grand Rapids.  Actually, the stay was a gift from our youngest son. He works at the hotel and gave me an overnight stay and a spa credit as a Mother's Day gift. (Such a nice boy!) I thought it would be fun to stay downtown during ArtPrize, so at my son's suggestion I booked the room already last July.

I have to say that staying in this type of hotel - a four star - is definitely out of our league.  In fact, I don't know if the hotels we usually stay in even have stars!

Not only were we staying in a four-star hotel, we were staying on the concierge level.  To be honest, I didn't even know what that meant, other than if you had to ask you couldn't afford it.  Our inexperience showed when we couldn't figure out how to get the elevator to stop at our floor.  If all else fails, read the instructions.  (See above photo) And to all those people in the elevator who commented, yes, we did need to insert our room key, even on the way down.  

Our room was on the 22nd floor, city side, of the 23 floor hotel.  From our window we could see the B.O.B. (which stands for Big Old Building - gotta love it), one of the ArtPrize venues off to the right (right edge of the photo, center) and Rosa Parks circle on the left (left edge of the photo, center).  

This is the Concierge Lounge, for the exclusive use of those staying on the concierge levels, located on the river side of the 23rd floor. Normally this room was packed with people.  There were always beverages and snacks available in addition to the breakfast, hors d'oeuvres, and desserts served at other times during the day.

The main room was full during breakfast, so we ate in the viewing room and this was what we saw.  To be honest, I was afraid we'd stick out like a sore thumb up there and it would be evident that we were WAY out of our league. It turns out, people were very friendly up there and I was the one guilty of judging.

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? ~ James 4:12

Have you every found yourself in that place where you're concerned with being judged, only to discover you are the one doing the judging?

While there was one guy talking very loudly about how difficult it was to choose which boat to take out onto Lake Michigan, everyone else was very down-to-earth.  When our son came up to bring us a key we were having trouble with, not one but two couples who were regulars at the hotel came up to us to tell us what a fine young man he was.  

Since the lounge was usually full, every time we went up there we shared a table with someone new, and every time we had a very enjoyable conversation.  

I totally forgot I told my daughter we'd watch Dude and Bubba on Saturday evening, but it actually worked out better for her to drop them off downtown so they joined us for some ArtPrize viewing.  

They were as good as gold while we were walking around, but they had much more fun back at the hotel testing out the bed.  That, and Dude thoroughly enjoyed the elevator (pushing TWO buttons) and going around and around (and around, and around...) in the revolving doors.  

Here Dude is wearing "Uncle's" hat and Bubba is with Momma as they get ready to go home (unfortunately Daddy is standing just out of the picture.)

Lord, thank you for allowing us to enjoy a new experience that we never expected. Forgive me for my judgmental attitude and thank you for such a wonderful weekend.

Lisa

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