Welcome, stranger
Where I live in Cornwall we have mixed views about visitors. On the one hand our economy depends on them, on the other hand they clog up our roads and are particularly inept at managing our country lanes. At the tower where I ring we welcome visitors and it has been my experience around the world that this is generally the case. Scripture encourages us to welcome strangers and offer hospitality. How might we improve our welcome of visitors? One of the things I have found helpful is asking the question “What are you hoping to ring this evening?” Whilst inviting the inevitable response “a bell” it can help adjust expectations. It has been a privilege over the last few months to introduce some visitors to the delights of ringing on 12 bells and equally to be enriched by experienced 12 bell ringers joining us.
John Hereward