Monday, April 26, 2010

Hope amidst the sadness

I want to share with you a story.


A manager of a hotel in a large city goes to work. It is a day like any other. Many people to see, tourists to direct, tasks to accomplish. Then, the ambulance has been called for one of the rooms of the hotel. It seems one of the occupants has had a heart attack. The woman is taken to the hospital with a husband following behind in shock. The manager remembers this couple - they had just checked in earlier that day. They were so excited for their bus tour the next morning.

During the night, the manager learns that the woman has passed away. That poor man is all by himself in this large city with so much to deal with. The manager decides she will help him. She comes back in the morning and takes him around. He doesn't even have a car here, and if he did - he's not going to know his way to the coroner's office. She decides to sit with him - even though there is little she can say. The man has to fill out paperwork for hours - some vacation. She bets he hasn't even eaten! He thinks he can eat a sandwich - she can at least do that. He has a flight now for the next day.

The next morning - the manager asks the man if he ate breakfast. Fruit? No, the hotel's restaurant has anything he could want. The manager leads him to a table and instructs the man to order whatever he like - on the house. The man finishes and leaves to make his flight.

The manager cannot believe the strength and courage of this man to live through what has just happened to him. To lose something so precious so far from his home. The man cannot believe the kindness of this manager. He returns home to tell of his family that has gathered around him of an angel in Washington, D.C.

Thank you angel.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

death - an ever-present reality

A few thoughts on Alberta Whitaker.


She was never afraid to tell me the truth. I appreciated that quality (at some points more than others.) She would never give me a haircut that would look terrible on me or that I wouldn't put the effort into maintaining.

She told me that she knew when I was very young that I would go into the ministry. She was right, sort of. I am in the ministry - but perhaps not in the capacity she had imagined. She was always supportive of me.

She was a great great mother - growing up I looked up to Amy and Jeff. Great kids come from great parents.

She was very generous - with her time, with her talent, with her love. She helped those in need - including me. I could not have finished seminary without her.

She loved God and she loved her family. That was a trait that she shared with her mother. A mother she will now spend eternity with.

Alberta - I know God is pleased with you and the way you lived your life. You have touched so many lives and though you are not here with us - your memory will be.


Sunday, April 4, 2010

Easter

He is Risen! He is risen indeed!


Today marks one of the busiest Easters of my life.

Sunrise Service @ 7:00 am

Breakfast following service.

Drive to Arlington.

Dinner with the extended family.

Genuinely rejoice that Easter has come!

Eat lots of bread, cereal and grains. Yay!


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