Simple Sentiments

From Keith,

To the Congregation.

Mark 6:31 “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Since his stroke his legs don't always do what he wants them to. The stairs up to the office are difficult to climb. And my office is like a minefield right now getting everything "organized" for my departure. But with octogenarian determination he pushed. His payload was a simple envelope born in hands calloused by a lifetime of labor. He thrust it toward me like an embarrassed school boy and said simply, "We haven't been able to be at church the last few weeks. We're closing up our cabin. But this is for you and Delaine. Rita and I hope you have a great time away. You both deserve this time." I shook his hand. His grip was firm and his eyes brimmed a bit.

There were three gifts he brought. One was invisible to the unobservant. The sentiments of the card was precious. The gift inside, appreciated. But it was the walk that touched my heart so deeply. His gate, his determination, his rugged affection might have gone unnoticed, but this Sabbatical departure has brought forth an acuity to the simple.

In our day of facebook, email, and texts with their abbreviated and instant sentiments, there is something extravagant about a card, a gift, a handshake or a hug.  It goes beyond an emoticon.

I lay on the bed reading a card from the Cash's. The hand written note expresses affection I didn't really know was there. I stand in the atrium cradling a carving by Norm Clifford. It makes me smile just to look at it. He will be our travelling companion so look for him at the Vatican. Coliseum and the finish line of the marathon. I blush at one families insistence and provision that we purchase a creche in Bethlehem. The capstone had to be the dinner Delaine had with her friends from Mid-Life Moms (Her small group, also known as the red hot flashes.) as they gave her one letter to open per week for each of the 12 weeks we will be gone. These are just snapshots of this congregation. Don't imagine that if your expression is absent the impact has been lessened. The thoughtfulness is too full for enumeration. Your expressions of love and support have surpassed all generosity of the Lilly Foundation. 

This congregation excels in simple sentiment. The kind of sentiment that joins hearts and hands. You have illustrated that this family excels in Good Goodbyes. Most people cannot do this. 

Because of His Love expressed through your hearts, we are ready to launch.

Quietly,

Keith