Memoirs of a pastor

I had the privilege this weekend to spend some time with my great uncle, David Baker. David is my grandfather’s older brother, they could not be more different. This forth of July I was hoping he would be there. (The 4th of July for our family is a reunion)

I made my rounds this holiday, catching up with all my relatives on the side of my mother. As I ventured around I saw a man sitting alone on a two-person swinging patio chair. He was smartly dressed and seemed to be listening and enjoying the surroundings. His hat added class, as I approached I was visited with a hello. As I looked I saw piercing blue eyes. I have not seen Uncle Dave in some time, but it surely did not keep me from remembering. As long as I’ve known him, I can honestly say I never took the chance to truly have a conversation. Through the years it was always limited to passing conversation. This year, I came there with the intent to speak to my great uncle. David is currently in his mid 90’s and I found out yesterday that he is nearly blind. After the polite hello he offered, I introduced myself. He could clearly not see me. He reached his arm out and gave me a shake of the hand. He stayed steadfast on the grip as if he was using his sense of touch to learn more about me. It was an excited motion. I filled my uncle in on where I was living, my job, and most importantly my church community. At this point I was standing. David at 90+ had my interest. I had questions lined up on the tip of my tongue. I held them intently. I decided to sit next to my uncle. I told him that I recently turned twenty-eight. He smiled, and said the he could relate, and mentioned that he just recently had his twenty-ninth birthday. After that comment I knew I was in for a treat. The blind man sat next to me as we shared a plate of crabmeat. We joked and when I thought the time was right I initiated with questions.

This man at his age had an amazing attention to detail with no hesitation. He claimed that his mind has been dampened since his blindness, which is scary. During our conversations he shared specifics on dates while never rounding up or down with time frames. I was amazed. We talked about his high points and some of the memorable events during his life in ministry. David served for sixty-seven years. Yes, holy wow… He talked about how at first he never wanted to go into ministry, though his father(my great grandfather) tried intently to get him to reconsider. My grandfather signed up for the marines and my uncle became a scholar. David through personal tragedy heard God speak to him as he began his journey into ministry. David ended up getting his doctrine, and as mentioned served for many years. Both of his sons also went into ministry and finished their post grad degrees. It is evident that there is a strong lineage of Methodist Ministers. This ninety-plus year old man had my interest for the period, over any game, movie, or book. He shared amazing life experiences and spiritual insight. The moment I had yesterday was one that I will never forget. David’s wife Florence is also living. He offered me a charming story on how they met and the struggles he had with her father (a Baptist minister) and the amazing way to their reconciliation. David shared some amazing stories of sermon series, where many gave their lives to the Lord or renewed their faith. He told of a calling to give a message at a Catholic Church. A priest and himself both felt this calling as they switched congregations for a day. Keep in mind back then which was many years ago this was unheard of. David Baker and I sat there for some time as I soaked up what he offered. This time again was more than I would have ever expected.

I would like to thank my uncle for being so open and taking the time to share some great stories. I am sure you have been an inspiration for many as the years have gone by, and after yesterday, I am included. Though I don’t like to set standards, I will say that in the brief time we spoke, you offered more than words. The way you carried yourself, your humor, humbleness, and ability to find the appropriate words. I learned and took much from our conversation. Much thanks great uncle.