all kinds of writing
A wonderful member of this congregation died a month ago, and his friendship is much missed. Paul McKenzie was a many of many interests and talents. A hockey coach, a politically involved citizen, a Mason, a churchman, Paul was above all a friend who touched the hearts and influenced the lives of many.
During his Memorial Service I read a quote from the French writer, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, which says in part, “Old friends cannot be created out of hand...It is idle, having planted an acorn in the morning,to expect that afternoon to sit in shade of the oak.” (from Wind, Sand and Stars.” Paul had become a great oak of strength and love to his many friends.
The week before we had celebrated the life of another dear old friend, Pearl Yancey who died at the age of 105. A very old oak, indeed, Flossie as she was called, was a teacher of Latin and a friend to many, most of who predeceased her. One of her friends had long observed that “Age brings wisdom, so make friends with those older than you and seek their advice.” Pearl dispensed wisdom to us all.
It strikes me today, that our task in the church is to plant acorns. To open ourselves to those who seek our friendship and to befriend those who can benefit from our presence in their lives.
All too many of us believe we have ample friends. We have closed our lives to the gifts God gives us in the people we meet. We live in small copses of oaks, trees of the same growth. We humans need to live in a diverse and large forest of friends. The acorns of new friendship begun today can grow to be strong oaks for our need to be sheltered from future trials.
Both Pearl and Paul live lives open to the discovery of new friends. They were constantly planting acorns which will continue to make ours a strong community.
Planting Acorns
Monday, March 19, 2007
