Sacred things slow us down

“Sacred things slow us down. It turns out that being human, as God created us to be, takes time.” Kenda Cressy Dean.

Blair and I were in the North Carolina mountains at Lake Junaluska. We were taking a walk around their walking trail around that beautiful lake. It’s one of our favorite things to do up there. As we were walking, a gentleman, probably in his late 70’s, was also on a walk. As we pass him, he says, “I like your Duke shirt.” Blair was wearing a Duke shirt. When it comes to Duke, ambivalence leaves the room. You either love them or hate them.

He says, “I have a Duke shirt. Someone gave it to me, and my daughter gave me a Tarheel shirt to match. I wear them both up here depending on who I am with.” 

He started walking with us, and we slowed down at the same pace. As we walked, he told us about his life. He was a United Methodist Minister from South Georgia, and we connected some other dots with other people we both knew. We weren’t rushed, so we stood on the walking path and spoke. He was a humorous guy. He said, “If you two need to walk faster, go ahead. Please do. I am slower, and my walk is more of a stroll because of my age, but also I like to flirt with people.”

I asked him, “Do you have any family up here?” 

He said, “No, not anymore. My wife and I moved up here fifteen years ago to retire. She died in 2018. Now, the funny thing about my wife is she didn’t think I could be alone. She used to tell me, ‘If I die, Johnny, I want you to remarry. You can’t be alone. You won’t survive alone. You’ll go crazy without someone to talk to. I have just one request. When I die, please, don’t bring a date to my funeral.'”

You could tell he had told that story a hundred times. 

But he didn’t get remarried. His children watch after him, and they are all getting ready to visit him for the Fourth of July, and he’s made friends in the area. He spends many days walking around that lake to talk to people and not feel so alone. 

It was a sunny, pleasant day with a mountain breeze, and he was getting ready to leave as we approached his car. He said, ‘Well, here’s where I parked. The next time you’re up here. Give me a call. I want to take you out for lunch. I know a good spot.” Internally, I thought, “I hope he’s talking to me, not Blair.” 

He opened his car door and then he closed it. He got real serious for a moment. And then he came over to Blair and me, and tears were springing into his eyes. 

He said, “I miss my wife every day. I miss her at church. I miss going to her favorite apple orchard in the fall. I miss watching television while she and her friends are playing bridge. Here’s my piece of advice for you both. Don’t miss out on the blessings that are around you every day.” 

Then he got into his car and left. 

Sacred things slow us down. Everybody’s got a story. When we learn their stories, and they learn ours, we never walk alone.