Church

You know you are a father when  you have pictures instead of cash in your wallet.

A father who is a man of integrity will be blessed of God, and his children will follow in his footsteps.  I look at  both my father and my father-in-law.  Both are/were known for their honesty, and for their love for their families.  They never talked about money as much as they loved to talk about their children.  

Dad Baker and Dad Cooper both knew their children  —  the points of stress in their children’s lives, and the points of rejoicing.  They prayed for us.

Dad Cooper died a few years ago in a swimming accident.  He wanted to be with his son-in-law (me) and with his granddaughter.  We started an adventure of swimming across a river.  He never made it to the other side of the river.  He died having embarked on an adventure with his loved ones.  And he waits for us to finish our journeys down here so he can see us again.

Dad Baker continues to “love on us” as children and grandchildren.  His time with us over the years, has always been concentrated on us.  He would give us the shirt off his back, or more likely the money we needed — to buy homes or cars or things that would make our lives more comfortable.  He would call us to encourage us when we were in need.  One time  he bought us a car “long distance”, picking us up our first Volvo  — all we told him was how much money we had and he got us a great deal.  Dad Baker has always had a servant heart.

So to my fathers — God’s blessings rest upon you both.

Yesterday I was officiating at a graveside service. 

Committal services follow a certain pattern, often called ritual or liturgy.  The words were all written out.  I had rehearsed the talk.

We arrived at the cemetery and stepped from the lead car.  A drop of rain fell.  A few followed but the sky was dotted with puffy clouds.  The type that don’t drop buckets — maybe just a few little spits.

We gathered in a procession to the graveside.  The spits became more intense.  The point of turning back had passed.  We stood under umbrellas as the rain continued.

And not just continued!  Intensified!  I saw a few pieces of hail land at my feet.  I opened my folder and read loudly and quickly, as the ink got wet.  At one point I asked if people could hear.  Some could — others mentioned later they could only assume what I was saying when my head appeared from under the umbrella.

The words were hearfelt.  The actual committal was short.

We came back to the reception — some went home first to change.  My suitjacket was still wet hours later.

Some say the best way to make memories is to experience the unusual. 

My memory bank has this one indelibly etched!!

There are just people!

People who live by grace.  No matter what comes their way!

Perry is a good friend, and our church custodian.  Today we were preparing for a large funeral to be held tomorrow. 

At one point he is fielding questions about sound.  Then the arrangement for lunch.  Then finding additional seating.  Then being sure the air conditioning is set.  Then mopping the floor.  Then chatting with people.

There are not many who can do this with grace.  Who can encourage you even as you interrupt them.

So, to Perry, thanks!!

There is a saying that first you must be before you do.  And so I have spent time in my life figuring out big questions.  Philosophizing.  Who am I?  Why am I here?  What has God got in store for me?

But, somedays I just answer the question, “How are you?” with the phrase, “I’m alive and well.”  Those days I don’t spend philosophizing — I just am!  And I just do.  And when 18 hours are done and I fall asleep, I sleep!

Well, today was a doing day.  As I prepare for the next few days activities, I’m moving from one opportunity to the next.  I’m neither discouraged or elated.  I just am!

And God is there.  And I am there.  And that is enough.

Some days are just that way!