Old timers and old friends

Church compatriots never really disappear, we just saunter off stage to return in a later act.

Take our mutual friend's 100th birthday for example. I don't care how well you know someone, if you get invited to a 100th birthday party, you're going to show up. I mean, how many people does a person meet that attains that sort of mileage? Folks should seize that opportunity because it isn't likely to come along too often.

Attendance was not hurt by the fact that this man is quite the delightful fellow. He gave up life without a hearing aid and driving just this year. He's been plopped in his pew pretty much every Sunday he could. A fun man to visit with, and a good man in a pinch.

Naturally, folks came from all over to celebrate. His doctor was there. Friends that have not attended our church in many years. All to say hello to this fellow. I approve, clearly.

Then of course, there is our annual retreat out by Anacortes. While not officially "The place to be", it very much has a reunion feel about it. If there's one event where we see everyone, that retreat is it. Moreso than Easter, outdoing Christmas; folks gather and flock to stay in breezy cabins and rememeber days gone by around campfires.

You can leave. You can go to another church. But I think folks are just fine in caring for those they've known before.