Grateful for friends

We have been back from our trip East for several weeks. So I have been engaged mainly in work in the church. Jean and I did go to a Presbyterian conference for pastors and educators. It went from Sunday dinner through Tuesday lunch. We had some good conversations and a little bit of rest also.

During the last couple weeks we have had phone calls and email from several of our friends. This means a lot to me. When I am wearing my "pastor" hat around the church I find that I have a few interactions that fall in the category of friendship. It does seem, though, that most people need me more as a pastor than they do as a friend. So I rely on family and friendships from earlier years to sustain myself.

Jonathan, Emily, and Samuel visited Chicago from Saturday night to Tuesday morning. Jonathan had a professional meeting in downtown Chicago. The trip provided an occasion for the Seitzes and Grubens to meet Samuel for the first time. It is a blessing from God and a deep joy to see another generation enter our lives. Jean and I find much happiness in seeing Samuel, Holland, and Hope. Our parents (one generation older) seem equally pleased.

Joan Netherwood, wife of Jean's brother Paul, will have bypass surgery this Friday in Baltimore. We hope this gives her new strength and more good years of life.

This has been a good year for family visits and we feel in touch with most of the family. We have not been able to see many of our friends. Hopefully, next year will be better for that.