STRANGER WITHIN OUR GATES

I’m traveling today.  I like traveling, always have, but climbing into a strange bed is never something I’ve gotten used to- even though I’ve done a lot of it.  I mean because I’ve TRAVELED a lot, Mom, not because I’ve done a lot of bed hopping. 

But last night, as I pulled back the covers at the Courtyard in Oklahoma City I took note of a laminated card on my pillow

It said,

In ancient times there was a prayer for “The Stranger within our gates”

Because this hotel is a human institution to serve people, and not solely a for profit organization. We strive to ensure you will experience peace and rest while you are here.

May this room and this hotel be your “second” home. May those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams. Even though we may not get to know you, we hope that you will be conformable and happy as if you were in your own house.

May the business that brought you our way prosper. May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe.

We are all travelers. From “birth till death” we travel between the eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful for those you meet, and a joy to those who know and love you best.

I don’t know if this is a new thing Marriott is doing or if it is Oklahoma City specific.  It seems to be very midwest, very “down home” in its feel – sort of like at the Kansas City airport where if you park for less than an hour, they don’t charge you anything.  Which always makes me laugh – it’s like your sweet elderly neighbor is working the gate, “oh go on … you were hardly here!  Put your wallet away.  Your money is no good at this airport, little miss!” 

Regardless, I liked it.  Even if it is just a marketing thing or a copy-cat sentiment, it was a nice thought and I climbed into bed with a smile on my face.  Of course, that could be because I knew they had a hot buffet breakfast waiting for me in the morning.

Comments

[Wendy]

That's really nice. I've seen similar things in my travels. Any way to make it more personal works for me.

[gilly]

That's much more comforting than the laminated cards with all of the local emergency contacts. (La Quinta Inn, Laredo, TX)

[CJensen]

I found this same laminated card at a Doubletree in Washington DC. It affected me quite profoundly. It was very spiritually calming.

[Paula Bosh]

I'm in a Courtyard in Little Rock and found that same prayer - I liked it so much, I googled it to see if I could find it online and here it is! I also found it calming.

[Paula Bosh]

Correction - I'm at an Embassy Suites...oops

[Sylvia Chua]

That is very nice. Who is the original author for this prayer?