Here we are
in Chattanooga, it is Easter Sunday afternoon, and we have been involved in two
very different services. Do they share a common theme? Perhaps, we’ll see.
One of the
main reasons for coming here this weekend was to attend a memorial service for
Mayre’s former airplane mechanic and friend. He passed away at 93 a couple of
weeks back. The last time we visited with him, probably 6 months back, he was
still piddling with his airplane and giving flying advice to others who flew
out of this small airport on the eastern fringe of Chattanooga. John was called
the founding father of the Collegedale Airport, in fact, they named the field
for him in a special dedication a few years ago.
John was a
good man. He was well liked by all and spent so much of his time helping
others, both through flying and his airport involvement, and through his church.
He was special to Mayre because of his encouragement of her flying over all
these years. Not only did he work on her plane, and maintain it to FAA
standards, he also flew with her and helped her with understanding what was
going on with the mechanical and technical side of flying.
The service was a good one, with much laughter and remembrances. He was a Christian
man, one who loved his God and his family, and served both for a great many
years. It was evident that the people there knew him for what he was and Who he served.
Last night
we had supper with a couple who have become close friends over the past few
years. Larry had been our pastor when we changed churches back in the 80s. He
and Linda had accepted us into their friendship, and we have been close ever
since. After we moved to St. Simons in the mid 90s, Larry accepted a pastorate
in Savannah, and we got together on occasion whenever either of us came into the
territory of the other. After Larry retired from that church, he and Linda
moved back to Chattanooga and settled down.
Then a
church called him to an interim position as pastor until such time as they
could call a new full time one. Larry has been in this church for over a year
now. It was in this new capacity that they invited us to attend the Easter
service this morning..
As I
watched Larry in the pulpit today, I realized that, although this was an
interim position on the books of the church, it was a spot that he was meant to
be in. He was at home with the people and at home with his God. I told him
after the service that I had never heard a better Easter message, and, indeed,
had never heard him preach a better sermon. The church was packed, and Larry
had them completely with him for the whole time.
Two
services in two days and two men to think about. Nether man just sat down and
waited out his remaining time after retirement. Service was their hallmark, and
their joy was evident in what they did.
In that is
a lesson for all of us, no matter the age, or circumstance. Service for God and
our fellow man is the way to live.
Two lives, one not even being aware of the other, although being in the same city, two
strands woven into the story of God’s work here, as played out in the lives of
the people they served.
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