"Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest"

I love the song "Be Our Guest" in the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast.  If you are not familiar with the song or movie, let me try to explain.  There was a run-down palace where a fearful Beast lived.  One day Belle's father offended the Beast.  The Beast imprisoned the father, but Belle offers herself instead to pay her father's debt.  Belle now has to live in the horrible palace with the Beast for the rest of her life.  Later, Belle found out that her captor was an enchanted prince.

It was Belle's first night where she was met with the song "Be Our Guest" by all the talking kitchen utensils, including Mrs. Pots (teapot) & Chip (a chipped teacup).   It had been a very long time since they had someone to visit the palace.  They pulled out all the stops for Belle-linens, china, silverware, & lighted candle sticks.

What would have happened if Belle didn't accept the hospitality of the talking staff?  Of course the staff would have been so very disappointed.  Also, Belle would have missed the special fellowship.

Have you ever invited guest for dinner or an event, prepared all the food, & then at the last minute found out they were not coming or that they even forgot?  Or even worse, have you done this to someone?  Well, I have to admit yes to both of these questions-shamefully so.  Thank heavens for forgiveness on both ends of the spectrum.

With it being the holiday season, I couldn't help but think about the story of a man who asked God to visit him on Christmas Day.   God said that He was give him this gift.  The man prepared his home & table for the Lord.  Christmas Day came & he waited.  At the end of the long day, three visitors later, all preparations gone & much disappointment later, he went to bed.  He asked God, "Why didn't You come like You said You would?"  The Lord answered him, "I came, not once but three times." 

This also led me to think about what God says in Ps 23:5-6

⁵ God prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

 ⁶ Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever.

God prepares a table for me, even in front of my enemies.  They have to watch me eat His delicacies.  What would happen if I don't show up every day?  I'm going to will let you think on that one.

                      ann :)