Long Ago. . .

A long time ago (neither I nor the Pastor can remember exactly how long ago) we visited a Church in the little town of Big Sandy, Texas. We were on a brief R&R and had a free Sunday. First Baptist Church was a “downtown” Church and filled with people that day. We sneaked in and sat in the back, hoping no one would notice us and ask questions. Lots of Baptist Churches are very good at that – not noticing or asking, I mean. Neither of us remember a lot about the service. It was typical of Baptist Church services. Announcements, Hymns from a hymnal, taking an offering, “special” music, and a message. We don’t remember what the message was about, or even who preached that day. I guess we were R&R’ing pretty hard.

When the last prayer was prayed we moved as fast as possible toward the exit. No reason to hang around. We didn’t know a single soul, and didn’t want to get delayed getting back to whatever it was we were going to do that day. Then it happened. A  tall lady (taller than us – which isn’t hard), well advanced in years, had the Pastor by the arm. He greeted her warmly (he is like that even when wanting to “get away.”) “We’re having dinner downstairs now,” she said. “I would like for you to stay and be our guests.”  Nooooooooo! No way! That’s back to work for us. Please, let us go, we don’t want to get involved in a long conversation over good food with wonderful people. That’s work! We’re R&R’ing.

But, she prevailed. Taking the pastor by the arm, down the stairs, to a table of several (who remembers how many) other women (no men as I recall), and the eating and conversation began. What was it about? We don’t remember. How long did it last? We don’t remember. Did we enjoy it? Probably – who knows. But we have lots of experience with such. . .so. . . .

Why am I telling you this? That woman became one of the Pastor’s best friends (his words, not mine). Some time later (no, I don’t know how long later, (but at least several years)  he became “temporarily Pastor” of that very Church. She was, over the next five years, one of the most faithful members (under his Shepherding), rarely missing any service, serving on the Finance Committee, helping him interpret Scripture (when she disagreed), pushing for good things, right things, Godly things, and making sure he knew when his rhetoric was not exactly. . .right. She took notes at every Bible Study, and reminded him what and when he had said things more than once over a period of time. She made sure he knew which chair was hers, and where it was to be placed. She teased him, practiced a little motherly chastisement on occasion, and lloved him. She really lloved him, and that reality was mutual. (See John 13:34-35) She was old enough to be his mother (and He, I might remind you, is ancient), and he enjoyed that –  really enjoyed that.

She was his longest know friend in the little town. If she had better friends (and we all know she did) he never knew it. Truth be known, he lloved her dearly. On Mother’s day (yesterday) he gave her two roses, one from the Church, and one from himself. Today (Monday), just over 24 hours later, she went home to be with the Savior. Nothing will ever be the same again at First Baptist Church, in the little town of Big Sandy, Texas.