A Letter from the Pastor

 "I would have forgotten all about it."

Dear Friends,

   Last week we had to say "good-bye" to the neighbors who have lived in the house physically closest of all to ours.  Duane and Joy have lived in that house for six years and have been wonderful friends as well as neighbors.  With a two year old (and twins on the way!) they realized some months ago that they would need a house with more space, and now that time has come.  We said our "good-byes" last week, even though they would be in the process of returning a few more times to get some belongings, because we knew our schedules wouldn't have us at home during those final times they would be there.

   The final time they were there, it turned out, was yesterday.  As I came home last night and walked up to our front door to go into our house, I saw something sitting at the door.  It was a quart container of 10-W30 motor oil.  Stuck to it with a piece of tape was a note that said, "Harold, thanks again--Duane."

   Then I remembered.  "Oh, yes," I thought to myself, "early in the summer Duane needed a quart of oil and I had one on hand in our garage."  Needless to say, though, I would have forgotten all about it--and had.  In my mind this was simply one of those many things we did for them, even as they did for us, through our years as neighbors.

   "Thank you, and I'll pay you back for this," I could now remember Duane saying to me at the time, even though I had said there was no need.  And now, as one of the final things he did as they were moving, he had done so--taking whatever extra time and effort needed to be sure he did.

   What is most important about this and why I share it here is not that the "debt was finally paid" and certainly not the quart of oil itself.  It is what it says about this person, this couple, this family.  He remembered that he had made this promise, and he fulfilled it--couldn't let himself leave before doing so.

   It has been said that "the greatest indicator of our true character is what we do when no one is looking."  Duane and I may never see each other again, and I had forgotten all about this "debt."  It was his character that led him to need to do that last right thing before they moved from our street.

   As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month we will certainly be remembering the Pilgrims--the founders not only of religious freedom in our nation but also the ones who would be the founders of our United Church of Christ denomination.  Above all else, they were people of the highest character, and the strength--and the "paid forward gifts"--of that character have blessed countless people through all the generations since.

   As you "count your blessings" in these coming weeks, I encourage you to think about those who "paid forward" for you through the integrity of their character, who lived and gave in such ways that you have been and always will be so very blessed.  And then think as well of the ways that you are seeking to live--when others are watching and when they are not--that keep the promises and fulfill the highest of expectations you have set for yourself.  Such acts of character and integrity not only make for good neighborhoods but also great churches, communities, countries.

   I'm not sure if Jenny knows their new address, but if she does I am going to send a note to Duane.  It will say simply, "Duane, thanks again--Harold."

   And thank you--again--for calling me to be

Your Pastor and Friend,

 Harold