The Huron family spent a vacation at the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island in Florida. As you can imagine, it was a nice vacation — until the family returned and it was discovered that Joshie, the youngest son’s beloved stuffed giraffe, was missing.
Chris Huron naturally panicked because he knew his son would be distraught at the thought of sleeping without his favorite pal. So he decided to tell his son Joshie had stayed behind to take an extra-long vacation. Surprisingly, his son was satisfied and was able to fall asleep without his little friend.
That night, the Hurons received a call from the Ritz-Carlton. The hotel’s staff had found Joshie. He had been mixed in with the laundry and was turned over to the hotel’s Loss Prevention Team. Chris confessed the fabricated story he had told his son. The people at the hotel understood.
A few days later, the Hurons received a package which contained Joshie and some Ritz-Carlton-branded goodies. And most importantly, there was a binder that meticulously documented Joshie’s extended stay at the Ritz. It showed Joshie wearing shades by the pool, getting a massage at the spa, and even driving a golf cart on the beach! Amazing, isn’t it.
What’s more amazing is this actually happened and will forever be a story the Huron family will remember and tell! Why? Because the people at the Ritz had made a difference in their lives.
What Do Others Remember Most about You?
What stories do unbelievers tell about us? What do they remember most about their encounters with us?
On the Emmaus Road after the Resurrection of our Lord, two of Jesus’ followers were walking home, saddened by the crucifixion of Christ. They had been left with only the wonderful memories of being with Him. Luke 24:14 says, “And they talked together of all these things which had happened.” The focus of their discussion was Jesus.
Amidst their feelings of melancholy over the loss of their beloved Lord, they were reminded of how He had touched their lives. No doubt, they remembered the blind who were made to see, the lame who were made to walk, and the healing of those who had all kinds of physical ailments. They were memories that would soon be shared with others in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:7). Jesus had left them with an experience that changed their lives.
Create a Ritz Experience
Every Christian has such an opportunity to impact the lives of friends, neighbors, and even relatives in the name of Jesus Christ. The Ritz Experience we share with them is the richness of our experience with Christ — the way He gave us peace during the pandemic and hope amidst the national turmoil; the way He kept us singing when everyone else was discouraged; the time He put a roof over our heads and clothes on our backs when we had no money in our pockets.
Just as Jesus used these experiences to change our lives, we can in turn impact others with whom we come in contact through Christ in us. They will hold memories of the encounter for the rest of their lives and throughout eternity! Why not create The Ritz Experience for someone today?
By Dr. L.W. Edwards
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