AT HOME IN MITFORD - WEEK 9 CHAPTERS 15 - 16

AT HOME IN MITFORD by Jan Karon

I don't tend to get super emotional about books, but I have to say there was a bit of a lump in my throat when George Gaynor started talking. Folks, it is time to acknowledge the elephant in the room and just say that we NEVER know when someone else is listening. Can I get an Amen? Sometimes good things have happened from things people have overheard me say. Sometimes I have really blown it. I'm also going to say that we NEVER know the internal work the Holy Spirit is doing inside someone. I was a dispatcher for a PD in my younger years. My co-worker had been going through a series of difficult circumstances in his life for quite a while. I finally looked at him and told him he needed Jesus. I would never have guessed that Jesus would ever have crossed this guy's mind. His response to me was that I was the second person that week that had told him that. God was pursuing him.

Our book started off with Father Tim questioning his value to his parishioners. I think we are getting a very clear picture that his simple life, his simple mannerisms greatly affect Mitford, because He genuinely CARES about them. We don't have to be a pastor to do that for our community and those we know. I will tell you that I get worn out sometimes by people. The need is great and you can be used and picked over until there is nothing left of yourself. Ask my husband about a saying I periodically say when I am dealing with difficult people. I tell him, "I just want to pick my toys up and go home. I don't want to play anymore!" Does anyone else recognize those feelings? BUT! Then we have those George Gaynor moments. The moments when you can visibly see the hand of God at work.

There is so much that can be said about George Gaynor. The shoes given to him, the police that attended his baptism, his story, the symbolism of the Death Bell. Take and run with whatever part you want to!

I feel like there's so much more we can discuss: Dooley and his blow-up, Puny and her parade , Barnabas' kidnapping, Cynthia... I am all ears.