And since it is so that thou oughtest not to go out of thy house to seek occasion how thou mightest profit thy neighbour by deeds of charity, because thou art enclosed; nevertheless thou art bound to love all men in thy heart, and to show some tokens of true love to them that come to thee. And therefore, whoso will speak with thee, whatsoever he be, or of what degree soever, though thou knowest not what he is, nor why he cometh, yet be thou soon ready with a good will to ask what his will is, be not dainty, nor suffer him long to wait for thee, but look how ready and how glad thou wouldst be if an angel of heaven should come and speak with thee, so ready and so buxom be thou in will for to speak with thy neighbour when he cometh to thee, for thou knowest not what he is, nor why he cometh, nor what need he hath of thee, or thou of him, till thou hast tried. (John Climacus)

There is a person who lives far away who makes a considerable effort to visit at least once a year.

The prospect of this visit -- only a few days -- causes some consternation in our house.

I have never determined if the visitor lacks self-awareness or, instead, is so self-centered s/he has no skill is perceiving others. In any case it is almost always an awkward and difficult few days.

Yet the visit is always rich in experiencing the mystery of relationship with one another and with God.

We are not glad to have the visitor, but in scripture angels usually arrive when trouble is afoot and give us insights difficult to fully discern.