great generation

My wife and I had a wonderful time, recently, visiting in the home of some of our church members, Jake and Dorotha.  It was a day of joy as Jake was celebrating his 97th birth day!  Jake and Dorotha are both restricted in their activities now, due to challenges with their health, but just two years ago Jake was still mowing (on a riding mower) our church lawn on a weekly basis.  Dorotha too, until just before the covid pandemic, was a regular participant in our services of worship, United Methodist Women, and our Wednesday night fellowship.  Throughout the years both have served the church, community, and our nation in many, many ways.  Truly they are a part of what we know as, The Great Generation...

Jake served our country during World War II.  He was actually one of the veterans whose story was told in a Tulsa World "feature series" just three years ago.   Following the war he further served our country by working with the Frisco Rail Road.  He was part of a team that kept people and goods moving across our land.  But Kristi and I mostly know Jake and Dorotha through their fellowship and service with our church.  For the eleven years I have served this church as senior pastor, Jake served as our "Head Usher."  There wasn't a service of worship, a funeral, or a special event that Jake missed.  He was always there to hand out "bulletins," provide a warm welcome, and assist with seating.

I share this post because Jake and Dorotha both are a part of the Great Generation that is quickly dying away. So I pray that Jake and Dorotha will have a wonderful time celebrating Jake's 97th birthday.  I pray too that all of us will be reminded how our lives have been blessed by this wonderful generation of saints who have served our country and churches so well.