I went up into the loft to put new sheets on the bed and have it ready for our next guests. I am particular, that is for sure. The bed must be inviting, must be pristine, must be crisp and wrinkle free.

We use pillows that can be washed in the laundry, because I am particular. If we are going to have who-knows-how-many people laying their heads on our pillows, we will not have sleeping drool, hair grease, or anything else that comes from a head leaving a permanent impression on our pillows.

I took my time, because it is the bed.

I lofted the fitted sheet, tucked the corners, and pulled tight.

I lofted the flat sheet, tucked the corners, lined it up perfectly, smoothed it out.

I laid out the quilt so that each side was even, folded it halfway down, folded the flat sheet halfway down and then back up, turned the quilt back up over the flat sheet – see? I am particular.

I put the ironed pillowcases on the fresh pillows, ready to sit on top of the two extra pillow shammed pillows. And then I realized the two extra pillows with the quilted pillow shams didn’t look right. I had not washed the pillow shams, what was I thinking?! And it was noticeable – to me.

So, I removed the shams…AND MY HEART STOPPED.

Someone, very recently, had taken my washable pillows out of the pillow shams and replaced them with older, regular pillows that most definitely HAD NOT BEEN WASHED.

Who does such a horrible awful thing in secret hoping no one will notice?!

Tonight, I am working on being grateful for ALL our guests, even the ones who needed some nice pillows and found some.

Tonight, I am working on being grateful for the opportunity to clean houses much more often these days.

Tonight, I am working on being grateful without complaint.

Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! – Hebews 13:2 (NLT)