Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
The Christmas lights are going up at Trinity Lutheran Church. The steeple is lit up year-round, a beacon of hope shining high above Highway 525. In December each year, the white lights of the steeple are joined by the colors of Christmas. For many years the Christmas lights were under the supervision of Bill Cochran.
When Bill took on a job, he did it right, and he did it in a big way. Each year Bill would recruit a volunteer or two to assist him. The lights, boxes and boxes of them, were stored at his house. Rain, shine or snow Bill was up a ladder and soon on the roof. Our community building on the highway was first as lights of blue, green and red announced the coming of the season. Then Bill would move his ladder to the taller and more challenging roof lines of our offices and finally he would ascend the steep slopes that lead to the cross. With the dawning of a new year Bill would ascend the heights again, pack up the lights, repair those that were broken and then it was time to rest. Well, that is not true. Rest was not really in his nature, he simply moved on with considerable energy to the next good deed at Church or at Useless Bay or in his community.
Through the years, on more than one occasion the Church Council gave me a clear directive; “Tell Bill Cochran that he cannot be on the roof. No man in his 80’s should be on the roof.” My response, “You really think that I can tell Bill Cochran what to do?” I mentioned it to Bill, and he said with a smile that he would sue me for age discrimination. 2022 marked Bill’s final light campaign. That year 8 men showed up to work under the watchful eyes of General Cochran. When the new year came the same group returned, packed up the lights and returned them home to Bill’s garage.
Last year donations were given to hire professionals to install and remove the lights. I feel a great sense of relief. Sending old men up ladders makes me nervous. But when I come to work in the dark wee hours of winter and see the sky lit up in the colors of the season, I pause and give thanks. I give thanks for the privilege of sharing the journey with Bill Cochran. Bill was one of a kind and his footprints are everywhere in our community.
One thankful beggar, telling another beggar where to find bread, I am your,
Pastor Jim
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