Gifts of Life

I had kind of “hanging out with the stars” kind of week.  Last Sunday night Brian McLaren.  Yesterday and today Walter Brueggemann.  

These nationally known leaders have a lot in common.

They’re passionate about their work and give their heart to it.

They’re articulate and brave.

And they’re humble, tender, other-focused, loving.

No rock-star egos.  No prima donna attitudes. No you’re-not-worthy-to-ask-me-a-question.

Just straight-up good men with brains and hearts given to the service of proclaiming God’s love in faithful, clarifying ways that bring new light to the old, old Story.

It’s been cool and wet in Louisville.  After wonderful Palm Sunday services we opened the doors and the sun was shining and the air was perfect.

We walked to lunch with our new friend, Walter, and basked in the sun.

To top it off, tonight’s Rutter’s Requiem was like a massage for the soul. The music, text, our beloved choir, the room, the end of a hard week that included an unexpected funeral for a precious church member-- it was like a kiss from God.

And I receive it gladly and gratefully.

photo: Walter Brueggemann poses with HBC staff and mascot.