We had a good week-end. Early Saturday afternoon, we loaded the car with a surprising amount of stuff for people who were only going to be gone for an overnight trip. We headed across the autumnal mountains to Bristol, Tennessee, where Faith Lutheran, the church I serve as a Synod Appointed Minister, had its Chili Fest from 4-7.
It was a delightful event, even more so because it was so different from last year. Last year we had planned to meet my father-in-law and his wife for Chili Fest. When Hurricane Helene blew through, it obliterated every direct route between our house and Bristol. But the hotel room was paid for, so we set out on the alternate route: east on I 40, north on I 77, and east on I 81. Part of me couldn't believe that it would really take 5 hours. It did. I spent much of Chili Fest trying not to feel tired, and I spent the time afterward trying to find an easier route home, which would did not exist.
This year was much easier. I enjoyed the variety of chili and even more, the wonderful desserts with an autumnal theme. We had a hayride and pumpkin painting, but for the most part, I tried to stay inside, talking to all the people who came out on an abnormally warm day to enjoy our event.
Even though it was warm, the weather was perfect, and the light cast by the setting sun was beautiful. We stayed to help clean up, and then headed over to the hotel where we stayed for the night. If it had been a Friday night, we'd have gone back home, but for a Saturday night, it made no sense.
Sunday was a good day at church. I'm talking about Luther with my confirmands, which went well. My sermon on Luke 18: 1-8, the widow demanding justice from a no-good judge, went well (you can view it here on my YouTube channel).
On Sunday afternoons, it's hard for me to want to do much else, but yesterday we decided to make the effort to go to a hymnfest at the local Lutheran church in Arden, where we live:
It was a great event. Mary Louise (Mel) Bringle, the hymn writer, was there, and it was interesting to hear her insights about how she wrote the hymns. And then we sang them. It was a good mix of her insight, our singing, and special musical presentations.
Even better, we had a chance to see friends we don't often see, because of my work schedule. I worry that by the time I'm retired or working less, I won't have as many friends as I once did--we're none of us getting younger. Sigh.
But for now, let me be happy about the opportunity to have so many soul-enriching opportunities in one week-end.
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