Oil Change

The customer lounge was divided.  One side was comfy chairs facing the depressing offerings of broadcast television and the other side was floor to ceiling windows that flooded the area, that day, with sunlight.  The mini fridge was stocked with cold beverages, the coffee hot, cookies for your sugar high, and fresh popcorn.  Everything for a delightful experience while waiting to get your automobile serviced!  I had just sat down at one of the small round tables preparing to connect to the free Wi-Fi when I recognized one of the customers coming into the lounge. Gordon was the Chaplin at my parents Senior Living center. I had met him many times.  He had become a resource and pastor for my mom and dad.  When my mom passed away he sang Ave' Maria and gave a great reflection. After mom passed Gordon checked in with my dad with a little more frequency.

That day we spent a long hour discussing a wide range of topics but the one I was most interested in was being a chaplain for the wonderful senior living community that my parents had been a part of for almost 12 years. Gordon was 11 years older than me but we were both very interested in the issues in the culture as well helping those having a hard time dealing with the speed of life we are currently in as well his thoughts on the plight of senior health. The conversations weren't too deep but reflections on the trials of the day.

Gordon didn't say much but I knew he had his own health challenges and his servants heart kept him in demand at the Senior Living Center.  I don't have many answers but I know that many decisions in later life, in regards to health, always have a sense of urgency. Over the years I've had many of these type of encounters, meaningful divine appointments where you know you're receiving as much as you're giving. As I write this Gordon's funeral is Friday. I visited with him about 3 weeks ago at his home.  He had come home to hospice care after taking a fall. I cut the visit short because his immediate family was there and it was close to evening meal time. I have more to unpack about the life of this man and how God works through the Pastor Gordons. Just 60 days ago he was comforting my family as he presided over the internment of the cremated remains of my dad and mom. Some days the journey is just a little bit harder and the unexpected moments seem a little larger but the fruit of the journey and an oil change is gratitude.