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For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. A time to mourn, and a time to dance. It was an interesting 21 hours in my life. It began with a funeral and ended with a baptism. In between the funeral and the baptism was a wedding ceremony, and wedding feast. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. A time to mourn and a time to dance. The funeral was for Fred Becker. Except for his tour of duty in Vietnam, Fred spent every year of his life on Whidbey Island. His family homesteaded on Whidbey, near the Nichols Brothers Boat yard. In 1994, I stood with Fred and his blushing bride Holly as they united their lives in marriage. Seventeen years later, I stood with Fred at graveside as we tearfully laid Holly to rest. Last Saturday, I recalled one of my last visits with Fred at Maple Ridge. He said, “Pastor Jim, I just updated my will and you are in it.” I did not know what to say. “You did not need to do that Fred,” I replied. Fred continued, “Don’t thank me, it says right in my will, ‘Pastor Jim is to conduct my funeral.’” From the funeral to a wedding. The bride was among a handful of young ladies who grew up in our house. I had known her for most of her life. I could not help but tear up as her father walked her down the aisle to the handsome young man standing on my left. Tears of joy gave way to a wedding feast, to touching toasts, and dancing into the night. Bailey Rae Edgeman, six weeks old, was carried to the font by her mother, Jenny. It was right after the sermon, and like most of the congregation, little Bailey was sleeping. Her father, Paul, and grandparents, Katrin, Werner and Robin, were close by. Paul had stood at this font 17 years ago as he affirmed his faith in the Rite of Confirmation. Two and a half years ago, I had officiated at Paul and Jenny’s wedding. Water splashed, prayers were said, baptismal vows were taken, a quilt was given to Bailey, and we sang “Jesus Loves Me.” It was time to cut the cake. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Whatever season you find yourself in, know that you are not alone, know that you are loved, know that you have a home at TLC. Thanks for sharing the seasons with me!
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