Jun 13, 2025

Yesterday a car pulls into our lot. An elderly lady slowly gets out of the car. With her cane … she very slowly walks up to the front door of the church. She is struggling … so I meet her at the door and welcome her in. She looks tired and confused. She asks me: “Is this the place for the funeral?” “There is no funeral here today. Who are you looking for?” “My friend Peg _________ .” I quickly get my calendar from the office. “Yes, I’m doing your friend’s funeral …but the service is next month —- not today.” I see the sadness and the confusion in her eyes. She looks at me: “I am struggling a little bit … is it ok if I come in and rest for a little while?” “Yes — please come in and rest.” I think of her words: “Can I come in and rest.” She is confused … so am I, at times. She needs to rest … so do we all, at times. She wants to honor her friend … yes, we all want to honor our friends. After a bit of rest … I open the door for her, and she very slowly … holding her cane … walks back to her car. I’ll probably see her next month. But today??? … our brief encounter reminds me of who we are and why we are here. An open door. A place of rest. An “oasis” where we can get a “little dose of Jesus” … and the strength to face whatever today will bring. Thank-you, gentle stranger … in your confusion, you remind us what life is all about —– it’s the journey we share together. Love and peace to all. Don