Deposits

Deposits

Minute for Mission

       The story of Mary and Martha has been on my mind lately. Perhaps because part of their story is one of loss and today, All Saints and this time of year, is about remembrance. I was always sympathetic with both Mary and Martha and also annoyed with each. However, in their relationship with Jesus and in the midst of loss and danger, these courageous women were stewards of an opportunity to acknowledge Jesus and to pass on a new message. (Luke 10:38-42 & John 11, 12)

       Last year was one of those years. I found myself in Little Rock with my Aunt (thirteen years younger than Mother) who was unexpectedly ill, then much better, then near death, then much better, then too ill to leave the hospital and in Hospice care. Her health too frail, our mother could not make this trip. Being with Suzi was beautiful and ugly; it was weird; it was emotionally demanding; there were interesting characters; things went directions no one predicted or expected. There were many blessings, unexpected support, and unexpected renewal.

        From Little Rock we drove to Hope for Suzi's burial. Although we were in Hope for unexpected sorrow, we met much love, folks who knew the McNeill's, and the  Presbyterian minister, Philip McLarity, presided over a simple burial service. All of this and seeing Hope again were deposits --

       Returning to LR, we were welcomed into the loving arms of our Abraham cousins, 2, 3, 4 times removed. There we discovered notebooks of family documents, photographs, yellowed and worn newspaper articles, letters; and, of course, stories. One story was about our great grandfather, a Sherriff. Although quiet and gentlemanly, he was know for his fearlessness and undaunted ability to bring in criminals. 

       What we did not know was that later this year we would be in Batesville for a committal service for our father who died 11 years. His wish was to return to the White River and for his ashes to be scattered there. Here the Episcopal priest, John Drymon, presided over a committal service. Dad's childhood friend, Jim Barnett, welcomed us, assisted us in every way and showed us some of the places he and Dad spent time as boys. There were many stories on the flat bottom house boat on the White River; that, I guess, now, we were old enough to hear.

        From the city of the Little Rock 9, and the Abraham family there, to a place called Hope, to the foothills of the Ozarks, memories of my youth and of the folks who made deposits into my experiences, seemed to present an opportunity to be a steward in a way I never realized-

        What we do here at St. David's is about an opportunity to be a steward in unexpected ways with unexpected folks and maybe in unexpected places. There is much generosity at St. David's.

        St. David's will need to make tough decisions to grow. As Mary and Martha made tough decisions, we will also do so even in a time of loss, worry, and uncertainty.  We will and we will grow.

        I am enriched by this place and by the folks here and how together we contribute to changing lives - being stewards of opportunity and of God's work through us. mba