November 2, 2011
Whew! Like the Presbyterian who fell down the steps said, after dusting himself off, “I’m glad that’s over”. I’m so glad to be back among the working poor, slaving away in the spiritual dungeons of the church office. It’s a tough job but somebody’s gotta do it. (By the way, thanks Ken, Chris, and Kim for all the extra hard work keeping things going while I was gone.)
In some ways I don’t even know where to begin. We usually work our way into the Fall calendar, ratcheting up the intensity over a few weeks so we don’t get overwhelmed by a sudden rush of activity. What I’m facing now is like going from 0 – 60 in 3.1 seconds. I must be patient with myself and so must you.
There’s a question we ask each other every year in December: “You ready for Christmas?” I can assure you I already know the answer now I’ll be giving then: “Nope, not even close!” Hey, I’m not even ready for Halloween and it just went by. (Wore the same old costume I wore last year. And like last year trick-or-treating, got the same rocks like Charlie Brown.)
Thank you all for the grace with which you have handled my recent illness. Your food, gifts, prayers, cards, calls, and words of encouragement were all precious gifts to lift our spirits. The Bryants are grateful for the love you demonstrated in every way you touched our lives. We may not be ready for Christmas, but we are very ready for Thanksgiving.
Gary
