2025 Sunday — Early Morning Walk

I exited the house before 6:30 this Sunday morning. I walked alone; no Mr. Fun, no Chloe. Our town was silent. As I stepped north of 4th Street on Park Avenue, I realized why I was out earlier than the past mornings . . . a glimpse of sunshine that was spectacular. As I followed the turn on Park Ave toward the Sea Shanty, I wanted to run, to see it from Ocean Avenue. Then I stood in the middle of that main highway to capture a photo of that unusual sight. One other human out walking stopped as we passed each other to show me the photo he caught and to ask me if I'd ever seen such a thing. I hadn't, but I told him I'm not usually out this early.

Twenty-two years ago today I was in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada traveling with a girlfriend when I called home from a payphone at the Château Frontenac to hear Mr. Fun tell me his title had changed. A unanimous vote and he was hired! You, Mr. Fun, were called to lead a group of seniors who needed a pastor more than a peacher; those were golden years. Congratulations Mr. Fun on this memory of a moment! It's been a privilege to tag along on this journey with you and God. Sigh! Wow! Life would be desperately empty if we had not met the King of kings all those years ago on our 10th wedding anniversary. Thank you Tim & Sandy Coop for introducing us to Jesus.

Now retirement days have a rhythm of their own; moments seem to linger for hours and days vanish before we’re ready for the finale. And this grief that surrounds us today will pass . . . God’s just ahead of us leading us through and lots of friends are praying for us.