AT HOME IN MITFORD - WEEK 8 - CHAPTERS 13 - 14

AT HOME IN MITFORD by Jan Karon

Wow. I keep thinking I've surely just read the best chapters and then I read the next two. This week's chapters summary word for me is "burdens." Father Tim is carrying a load.

Dive in anywhere you want. Do you want to talk about the missing items and the feeling of "foreboding" Father Tim is experiencing when he walks into his church (and now the police are involved)? How about Hoppy and Olivia and the small matter of a heart transplant? If a heart is ever found will she survive to even have the operation? Then there's Puny and her desire for a family of her own. How about the wisdom of Homeless and the life lessons he's learned about chasing material wealth? The running of Absalom Greer and God's call on his life? Last, but not least, Dooley and Cynthia. Where are these relationships going?

All truth be told, as I am reading this book I am finding that Karon has me examining my heart. I find myself thinking about Jesus' parables. There was a time for preaching and there was a time that the right story was told that struck a chord in the hearts of the people. "Once there was a shepherd with a lost sheep. Once there was a woman who lost a coin." And in Father Tim's world, "Once there was a man who chased the dollar so much he lost himself and everything of true value in the process. Once there was a man who God had gifted to preach, but the man couldn't believe it." Oh, Heavenly Father, am I walking the path you have called me to? Am I chasing worthless things instead of loving the precious gifts you have given me? I could talk about these chapters for a long while, but I'll let you direct the course of conversation from here. Step out with some thoughts, and I'll be right behind you!