Weary Travelers

This weekend we offered free parking and free water to those of our neighbors who were coming downtown for the annual celebrations there as our church is close to the action and we are part of that community. At least one person who parked couldn't believe we wouldn't seize the opportunity to fund raise. Free? With parking at a premium and demand high, why not take advantage?

Why not take advantage?

My wife and I live in heart of Illinois but have family in northern Illinois, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. That means we've done our fair share of road warrior travels. In that time we've learned a thing or two. We've seen the difference in price the gas stations right at the exit charge as opposed to those a few blocks into town charge. Or that franchise fast food places at rest stop/oasis menu prices tend to be higher than if you visit that same franchise in any town. Hmmmm. Take advantage of the weary traveler. Oh, I'm sure that part of it has to do with higher costs related to being out in the middle of nowhere, and that not all businesses gouge the weary traveler but in my experience, it seems to be the norm. Most gas stations/fast food joints at highway exits have signs on them warning you not to use their bathroom unless you buy one of their overpriced products. You don't usually see those signs at gas stations or restaurants in town(exception being urban areas with weary "foot" travelers.)

Then there is Wall Drug. Mind you, I've never actually gone to Wall Drug. My wife's family lives north and east of there so there has not been occassion to go to Wall, South Dakota but we see the signs for hours and hours as we head towards it each year. Wall is en route to Rapid City and Mt. Rushmore and those are long drives away from the east without much civilization once you cross the Mizzou. So Wall Drug is in prime position to gouge. Instead they offer free ice water and 5cent coffee to travelers. Sure they offer all kinds of roadside attraction fun and trinkets that can quickly eat into a weary travelers wallet, but the concept of free ice water and 5cent coffee has always struck me as something rare in this world.

That is what the Body of Christ should strive to be. The "rare in this world" respite for the weary life traveler. The one that washes your feet, nourishes your body and soul and strengthens you for the journey that lies ahead. It should be about serving our neighbors rather than taking advantage of them. When we meet a weary traveler, our focus should be on "how do I restore their strength" and not on "what an inconvenience they are to me" or "how can I take advantage of this weaker person."