A personal privilege, if I may. Life brings us many humbling moments, some soul-wrenching, depressing. Yesterday humbled me for me for a different reason. Your birthday greetings and words from Concordia Seminary left me mulling what Jacob said, “I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that You have shown to Your servant” (Genesis 32:10).
Thank you to Concordia Seminary for producing the video about Diane and my service these last 15 years. Producing that video was no casual effort. As it compressed 15 years of toil and love into 10 minutes, it evoked our almost inexpressible gratitude for the people with whom we were blessed to work. The video can be seen at the Seminary’s channel on YouTube. And as my coworkers will attest, the video “put the best construction on everything”!
Something I haven’t mentioned before, the Faculty of Concordia Seminary has published a book in my honor, “Let the Gospel Lead.” Again, I can’t imagine all the work, the planning, writing, editing, and printing of this book. It contains essays and sermons, so it will, I hope, bless laypeople and clergy alike. It’s available from Amazon. Faculty brothers and editor, please forgive my inability to express adequately my deep thanks.
I haven’t adjusted yet to retirement. Covid has curtailed things Diane and I want to do, but the pandemic will slowly release its painful grip on all our lives. There’s no lack of work to do, theological/pastoral writing and speaking, toward which I pray the mercy of “fourscore years” and more. What most occupies me is coming to peace with my little place in the progression of generations, a deeper appreciation of works in the light of grace. At the end of “Schindler’s List,” Oscar Schindler said, if my memory is correct, “I wish I could have done more.” Yup. A Bible passage to which I subscribe, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty” (Luke 17:10). Our heartfelt thanks.