This is the longest, darkest night of the year. I don’t know how this night is showing up for you, but for me, I have things to celebrate, and things to grieve. Grief comes first … unfortunately it always does. Hard things first … “get them out of the way, before they get in your way,” I say. My griefs this day are many, if I sit long enough for them to all filter in. The one I am willing to share tonight is about the death of a Dear One on my life path. Eric was the Music Director of the first church I ever served in a pastoral role. He was a Gentle Giant, which is NOT to say that he was a big man with a shrinking violet exterior … no, he was bigger than life … a big presence in body, spirit, mind, emotion, voice and behavior, BUT he had a very tender, sweet heart. Quite a deadly combination for a young Pastor; but it worked, as he could’ve been my very own father and so we had the funny, odd, and blessed relationship that works, when it works. Which, for Eric and me generally did. I loved him, dearly. I just learned yesterday that he is no longer on this Earth. A poor shame for us all … for sure.
My favorite (sharable) story about Eric was when, upon my departure as Pastoral Intern from our small San Francisco-based church, be presented me with a parting gift … a small match-box car, a Mustang convertible, that he had painted red with nail polish (because he could not acquire one in time to give me on my appointed last day of service). This thoughtful and funny action made me cry in front of everyone (and I don’t cry easily, people).
See, you don’t even need the back story to get this … right?! What a gem the world has lost this week. Then again, he’s holding court in heaven with Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, and every other demi-God behind the veiled curtain, so we’re all going to be okay, Okay?!
As God would have it, one of my blessings this week is that I hired a new Music Director (at a different church, in a different city … my fourth or fifth church depending on how you count them), and this is fabulous news indeed. Ben’s a young man, 35-ish years old, a great age-foil to dear Eric who was probably solidly into his eighties when he died this week. So, young Ben has lots of time to become as awesome as his predecessor. I’ll pray for him … it’s a tall task.
I’m lighting a Yule Log tonight to celebrate this Winter Solstice evening. The Light is coming back, people. Praise be to God. Hold tight, my friends. Life is good, God is good, and we will ALL be okay. More than okay. I’m praying …
Peace Out for now.
Rev. Robechek
