At 75, Entering My Fourth Quarter

Today on my 75th birthday I reflect on the four 25-year seasons of my life:

Spring Planting--years 0-24

child number eight

conceived in Amish love

nourished by family and faith

deeply rooted in Oklahoma soil

transplanted at three to eastern Kansas

emigrating by cross-country train at six

to the garden that is the Shenandoah Valley

and then at 21 off to Eastern Mennonite College

1950's photo from Harry A. Brunk collection, Mennonite Archives of Virginia

Summer Growth--years 25-49

from deepening roots come shoots

of new life and new love

a growing love of learning at EMU, JMU, AMBS
a love of camping as director at Highland Retreat

a love of teaching at EMHS and Western Mennonite

along with the love of loving the love of my life

my Alma Jean having been wedded to me at 25 and

our bearing family fruit in sons Brad and Brent and

daughter Joanna while also serving

at Zion Mennonite for two soul-stretching decades

Fall Harvest--years 50-74

counseling at Family Life Resource Center

blessed to be an nonsalaried but well rewarded

house church pastor while trying to slow life down
enough to gather ripening insights to put in small baskets

of radio spots and blog posts and other publishings

in hopes they might nourish others as they have nurtured me

meanwhile seeing our offspring launch and grow families of their own

passing on their own lives in life enhancing ways

and oh grandchildren

Christmas 2012

Winter Reflection--years 75-??

can an old man continue to see visions and dream dreams

will his God-blessed health allow him to pursue

everything that still waits in bucket

wish lists of all he would love to see

happen in his community and family

and in beloved church families

and finally

will he be able to lay himself down to sleep

well content when his time comes

feeling finished and fulfilled

at winter's end and eager to

welcome eternal spring
shalom