New Take on the Inn Keeper

We were talking in Relief Society this past Sunday about the Inn keeper. We discussed of how often we think of the inn keeper as a mean and cold hearted man to turn away Mary and Joseph. Or we try to relate him to ourselves and imagine hosting a big party where you are responsible for every one's comfort, feeding, and enjoyment. When someone comes to the door we are so filled with out own "busyness" that we overlook that there is a need. We all know how easy it is to become so involved in our own things that we miss opportunities to serve. This twist though is kind of nice. We talked about this particular inn keeper, one who after many others simply said no and turned Mary and Joseph away offered an alternative. Though not the best accomodations, a place where they could be alone, surrounded by animals (whom often people prefer for companionship!) Maybe it was the best place, can you imagine giving birth for the first time with a room full of strangers standing around? (OK, so this is actually very similar in the hospital when having a baby but at least the medical purpose is there.) The stable was a place of peace and solitude where Mary could bring the earth our Savior. Just maybe this inn keeper was not the grizzly mean man who ignored their need, but one who was inspired and kind to provide a different location. I like this new outlook on the inn keeper.