December 11 - “Father??”

The Bethlehem Street Market was an absolute, resounding success. One of vendors was ready and waiting for us when we arrived on scene at 5:45 a.m.  Soon, the cars of the other vendors completely filled one entire parking lot. When customers began arriving, both buildings stayed full most of the time, as did all of the parking lots and the streets around the church. Drivers were pretty much all courteous and patient, often a feat in itself. The kitchen staff stayed busy doling out an array of delicious soups. And when the barbecue from Leon’s arrived, that was well-received as well. Even after we left for the wedding we were attending, Chris received an email that said something like, “My husband and I attended the market today, and we were so impressed that we want to sign up for next year’s market now.” 

 

Special nods go to:

Lauren for handling so much of the preparation and being the go-to person for the retreat center.

Cathy (and her kitchen crew) for all the work she did in handling the kitchen.

Ray and Bill and Aquila for being there to help vendors unload and set up.

Cailyn and Josiah, our awesome kids, for their work with vendor setup, and Noa, who joined them to work as a vendor food runner around lunchtime.

 

By far, though, all the work that Chris put in before anyone ever arrived overshadowed all the other accolade-worthy events. She was nothing short of amazing. There’s a good chance this will be her last as “The Boss” of the event for health reasons and, hopefully, future travel plans, so she really went out on an incredibly high note. Thanks, Chris! 

 

From the market we headed to Haak’s Winery for Kelly Boyer’s wedding. She grew up at Seaside, and her family has a very special place in my heart. Chris’ as well, of course. The wedding was beautiful, of course, and went off without a hitch, except maybe for the old man who may or may not have almost tripped Kelly’s sister Lora as she walked down the aisle. Not that I know anything about that.  I thoroughly enjoyed the bride’s father’s speech at the reception. He presented the groom’s Pilipino family with true marks of Texas … pajama pants from Buc-ees. And then both dads went in the bathroom and changed into the new attire. 

 

Speaking of the reception, Kelly asked me to pray there, and then added that she wanted me to share whatever words of advice I might have for them. When it came my time, the DJ introduced me with a new honorific. Had a nice ring to it.  In case you’re wondering, I’m prepared to answer to it now, along with PK and Pastor Kelley. Ready for this one? Father Kelley.

 

1 John 4:15 says, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.”

 

Father, please continue to draw Kelly and Aaron closer and closer to you, because that’s the only way they can draw closer to each other. Amen.