Tuesday was my last day
as Associate Pastors at First Church of God in St Joseph, Michigan. It was a
strange sort of day. Very few people were in the offices and those who were,
were surprised to see me.
We got word that the
daughter of one of our members was in the hospital and she would like to have a
pastoral visit, so I went. When I got to the hospital, I found the lady’s room,
but she had never heard of the lady who we thought was her mother. She had
never been to our church, but she had been to Crystal Springs Church of God one
time for a funeral. I asked her if could pray for her since I was there anyway.
She said, “No, just say a prayer when you get home.”
“Anything special you
want me to pray about?”
“No. Just general
prayers.”
“O-o-o-o-o-o-kay!”
A little later Nancy
Barker stopped by my office to say goodbye. That was difficult. She is a very
special lady. But we made it through that. The nice thing about being a child
of God is the assurance that you never have to say a final goodbye to any of
God’s people—we’ll see each other again on the other side.
Next I turned in my
church keys to Pastor Greg, our church administrative pastor, shook his hand
and told him how much I have enjoyed being on the staff at First Church. I then
said goodbye to those who were there, and gave a hug to Debbie (my next door
neighbor for the last six years, and one of the nicest and most Christ-like
persons I’ve ever met) and finally I headed home to retirement. On the way home
I found a left-over fortune cookie from our latest Chinese restaurant visit and
when I opened it, I read, “This is a good time to make new friends.” I got a
good laugh out of that—it seemed so fitting it was almost uncanny.
Actually it is always a
good time to make new friends, so that is always true. I guess that’s the
secret of a good Chinese cookie fortune—maybe that should be my next career,
writing Chinese fortune cookie fortunes that are always true for everyone all
the time in every situation. I’m tempted, but I think not. But I will spend
more time on my blog where I hope to share something worthwhile that you will
enjoy reading.
I also have two book
manuscripts that need polishing and a publisher (or two) to find. I am too
young to retire, so now I am a free-lance writer! It would be nice if I could
earn some money at this (not so new) occupation, but thanks to social security
and a small IRA from the 101(k) that was left over from my original 401(k), and
some rental properties, extra income is not absolutely necessary (although
Carol may think so).
Well, as the fortune
cookie said, “This is a good time to make new friends.” I hope you’ll be my
friend, as Mister Rogers would say, and that you’ll follow me on my blog.
Seriously, this day does
bring a lot of thoughts and memories. I accepted my first congregation in
Hoopeston, Illinois, while I was still in college, in 1965. During that time
we have made so many friends and have had the privilege of mentoring, teaching
and encouraging so many people I can’t possibly count them. Preaching the Word
of God, knowing it will live on in the hearts and lives of people long
after I am gone…what an incredible privilege! Singing hymns and spiritual
songs, many given to me by the Lord, has also been a special privilege.
Today reminds me of the
words of the poet Robert Frost…”I took the road less traveled by and that has
made all the difference.”
I'm Rick Blumenberg . . . and that's My View from Tanner Creek.
