After 11 and a half years, Dad finally finished up his term as General Secretary of the Victorian and Tasmanian Synod of the UCA last week. Up until a week before it looked as though Dave and I would miss the chance to be there. But as it happens, Dave managed to fly in from Brisbane for some hastily convened work, and I managed to reorganise interviews here in Sydney - so we could all be there for his farewell before the whole Synod. (Tiffany and Beth stayed in Brisbane, just too much flying for a 6 month old!)
It turned out to be much more of an occasion than I had realised - marking what has been an incredible time both for Dad and the church. It may sound odd to many people, but the chance to hear your father preach, to stand in public and outline what is most precious and meaningful to him, is quite an experience. It rounds out the private perceptions of him that I have with another side. And then to hear his peers reflect on his ministry - both at the official farewell and at the party that night, gave further depth to this picture I have of him.
Birthdays and Fathers Days come and go- but this was a unique moment to sit back and realise that it's not just you that's proud of the old man. He goes alright. And he's not done just yet...
2 comments:
Good on ya' Dad!!!
Great to see and hear about your honouring event.
The Canadians
Good for you, Robert - and Chris. A moment to be very proud, not just of your work and what you've achieved - but also to bask in your sons' pride in you.
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