Meandering Moments by Elsi

“Do not forget to entertain strangers,” the author of Hebrews tells us, “for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). Well, the Lord sent me some angels, but they entertained me! And I’m so grateful!

I spent a long day waiting at the under-construction Seattle train station Monday, waiting for my connecting train. Got a lot of work done, and had my own food, but it was chilly and lonely and stark. Eventually I went to a couple discussing shipping costs with an Amtrak guy and asked, “Would you mind watching my stuff while I go to the bathroom?”

Debbie and Paul Natelson were glad to, and we got to chatting about this and that. They offered to get me some food, and when they mentioned Chinese, it sure sounded good to me. So I handed them a twenty, and off they went. Time passed. My train came in. I was boarded early because of needing assistance with my suitcase. Figured I was out $20 and hoped they’d enjoy what they got for me.

So I’m on the train, settled into my room, marking my territory as it were, when I hear an announcement: “Will passenger Elsi Dodge please report to the dining car in the center of the train!” Huh? I grabbed my cane, asked for directions, and headed out. In the dining car I was handed a take-out bag, a handful of change, and the explanation that, “Some people said they’d gotten this for you and asked us to make sure you got it. We were kinda hoping you wouldn’t show up, because it sure looks good!”

Definitely good! But nowhere near as good as the knowledge that Paul and Debbie went way beyond any logical expectations to be kind to a total stranger in the Amtrak station! Angels for sure! Thanks, guys!