“Edna's,” replied the hotel desk clerk.
Jane and I had arrived at our hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a long-anticipated trip to Canada’s maritime provinces. It was time for dinner, and we had asked for recommendations.
“Why, Edna’s?”, we asked. “It’s all about the hospitality; you’ll see,” replied the friendly clerk. “What about the food?”, we ventured. “Great. You’ll see,” the reply. “What about reservations?”, we asked. “Just go; you’ll see.”
So, we walked to Edna's, passing tourists at the historic British citadel and guests at the Salvation Army food pantry.
Edna’s entrance was plain, yet candles flickered within. A hostess invited us to seats at the bar until a table was ready—or to enjoy our meals there. At the bar, the hostess welcomed with “how might I serve you?”. She led us through the menu, and we ordered. The woman who brought our meals paused to chat.
Jane and I experienced the promised Edna hospitality. What was it? We felt nurtured, as well as fed.
On the way out, we asked a passing hostess to explain the words scrolled across the wall—“It gives a lovely light”.
Oh, she joyfully replied, it’s from Edna St. Vincent Millay’s poem—and she quoted:
My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night.
But, ah, my foes, and, oh, my friends—
It gives a lovely light.
And, she added, “This place is owned and operated by women—for you.”
“Let your light so shine . . .,” Jesus encourages all of us in Matthew 5:16. Amen.
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