I’m writing from my “junior suite” at the Ross Bridge Resort about 20 minutes from our house. I’m in a wonderful leather chair (with ottoman) looking out at a beautiful golf course and marvelling at the goodness of God.
This suite has a living room, bedroom, walk-in closet, a bath and a half, balcony, flat-screen TV, lovely furniture, beautiful draperies (when your wife does draperies professionally, you notice such things), and fresh flowers. If this is “junior,” I really can’t imagine what the not-junior suites are like. Hampton Inns and LaQuintas are more our speed when we travel, so this is a really special for us.
Through the generosity of a friend, what was going to be a relatively inexpensive stay at state rate (one of the benefits of teaching for a public university) in a small room has turned into a free stay in a suite. And, another friend, God bless her, secretly set up an hour-long massage for Teddie tomorrow morning in the spa.
These kindnesses are allowing us to make this into a Really Big Deal to the kids. Before we arrived, we debated about whether to carry in our own bags (not matching luggage, by the way) or let one of the doormen get it and pay the tip. As Teddie and I discussed it, Anna piped up from the back of the van, “Well of course you want to pay the doorman. That’s what everyone does.” So, we had our bags taken up on the cart. Now Teddie and the children are out swimming, and they will order room service and eat by the pool.
Thank you, Father, for the kindness of friends!
Charis means grace, and that’s what this blog is about: grace, in all its—sometimes messy, always magnificent—manifestations. I’m Dan Butcher, and I invite you to join me in learning to lead a Christ-centered, grace-filled life. 
Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.