This morning coming home from the gym I stopped to get gasoline. It was cool outside and standing there in shorts and a t shirt felt invigorating as my hand held on to the pump. I glanced to my right looking at the classic car lot across the street, eying a 1966 Mustang.
It took me back to the mid- sixties when I was on the safety patrol at the corner of Fielding and Plymouth. It always seemed chilly and I looked forward to watching cars drive by or stop at the light. It was a little bit like a “dream cruise” every day without the fuss.
Finished pumping gas, I pulled the out the pump and some gasoline spilled onto the ground. The smell brought back wonderful memories of me helping my brother-in-law Dick when he worked at the Standard Gas Station on Schoolcraft. I love the smell of gasoline and always find myself drifting back to that gas station that closed a few generations ago.
This made me wonder about what kind of memories I have provided for my family and friends. I hope that that what- ever they might be that these memories draw them closer to The Peace. It is a good hope but I trust that some of the memories might fall short of that ideal.
What memories do you cherish? I have come to believe that good memories help us form a measure of gratitude to fuel our lives today. Certainly, the Good News that we read and reflect on are memories that help guide our hearts and minds today.
Finally, I learned today that Mary Ann Evans just died. She was our inspiration for establishing the Pathways in Compassion nursing home ministry. I first met her as the next bed over neighbor of Bertha Anderson, a member of the church I was serving in Fenton. She would always look over at me as I was serving Bertha. Finally, I asked her if she wanted to visit and she said yes. I learned that she did not have visitors of her own and she explained that there were many others just like her in the home. With that realization a new ministry was formed. A good yet bittersweet memory indeed.
And so, my friends, as we enter the most contentious season of the year, it is good to reflect on such memories and know that all of us carry that bittersweetness within our hearts. It can become common ground if we allow The Spirit of Christ to guide us. And if we do we might be able to build a more perfect union.
Peace,
Pastor Mark
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