June 21, 2026

I am standing in the front parking lot … looking out over LaGrange Road … as the sun rises in the east. It’s Father’s Day. It’s day of so many mixed emotions for so many of us. One of my buddies says to me —- “I’m not a dad. I don’t have kids. So, it’s just another day.” I look at him: “Hey, you had a dad. He is a part of who you are today. And I know … you are a “dad” to a lot of kids out there. Today is about people like you!!” I feel my dad in lonely moments when I don’t know where to turn. I see my dad in quiet and humble acts of kindness on an ordinary day. I see dad smile when I get dressed and wear clothes that don’t match. I hear my dad’s voice when he would say —- “Don, it’s ok to be average … sometimes that is good enough.” Today in the sunrise … I feel my dad’s presence. His humility and grace shine through … and I pray that humility and grace can be a part of our journey everyday. At the end of the service today …. when we say “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” …. I’ll be thinking of all of you —— as we carry Jesus’ spirit with us. Peace to all — Don