I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the powerful experience of being loved. I’ve observed the way our extended family has responded to the addition of a tiny human to the mix, our six-month old grand-daughter Jordan (JoJo). From the oldest great grandparent to the youngest cousin, there is a shared delight in everything JoJo does. We laugh when she takes a suspicious bite of smushed carrots, we cheer as her first swing ride elicits big smiles, we “ooh” and “aah” when we see her in a cute outfit. This kid is absolutely surrounded by loving care. As the family swoons around her, I’ve thought, “I wish every child in the world could feel this kind of family love and joy.”
Last Sunday evening, as we celebrated 25 years of shared ministry, you provided me with an echo of that thought. I went home that night wishing that every adult in the world could feel this kind of love, appreciation, and joy from their relationships. Every moment of last Sunday felt intentional and honoring. The decorations were spectacular and added to the air of celebration. The extra rental tables showed careful forethought and preparation. The presence of fellow ministers and former church members going back to our years in Costa Mesa showed attention to gathering names and communicating well in advance. The video conveyed months of picture gathering, recruiting, and execution as well as high production values. The meal and dessert manifested attention to personal favorites and was greatly appreciated. The carefully chosen words (and song performance!) you shared during our open-mic time made me feel deeply seen, appreciated, and loved.
After the final prayer, the cleanup crew descended like a well-oiled machine and efficiently set about putting everything back. And the pictures of the evening captured so many joyful and hilarious moments that we’ll cherish forever!
This was an incredible gift for which I will always be grateful. My heart-felt thanks to Rene for her logistical oversight of all details and communication, to Chandler for doing the interviews, and Stan for editing the video. Thank you to Joy and Melissa for creating a beautifully decorated and festive space and to David for making the special announcement. Thank you to our elders for initiating having the 25th anniversary celebration and for appropriating the funding to make it possible. Thank you to Jeffrey for taking such fun pictures of the evening. And finally, thank you Conejo Church for helping set up and clean up, for bringing desserts, for sharing written cards of appreciation, and for sharing your kind words and fun memories.
My sense is that most people never get to hear such appreciations, though a fortunate few may at their retirement parties. For others it may be at their funeral, at which point they won’t hear them. So thank you so much, church, for not waiting until my funeral to share these words of love—I was and am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy! If I may, allow me to give one small encouragement, whose importance you reminded me of last Sunday: “Don’t hide your love.” Make your appreciation known to co-workers you value. Tell your friends who mean the world to you how much you appreciate them. Communicate your love to family members you cherish. Thanks again, Church, for blessing me so richly. I love you and am so grateful for you all.
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