Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I confess to being very tired this weekend. More like exhausted. Apparently this is not unusual. It’s the mixture of loss, and grief, and the attendant details – and then hosting visitors.

But when the visitors are the grandchildren, it’s the smiling that wins out. Tired, yes, but very happy too.

Naomi and Craig rolled into town, along with David (11), Beks (9) and Geoffrey (newly 2). Then Mum and Dad’s other grandchild, Hannah, along with her husband Chris and her oldest, Haley (17).

I really feel the absence of Andrew, Alicia, and Mr. T., but it’s not even a vague possibility to hop over from Bahrain on short notice. It’s all good though, and we have a good representation here for dad’s memorial service; two of the three grandchildren, and four of the greats.

Saturday I prepared my super-delicious “takes all day to make” chili for everyone, and it went over well. Now it’s off to worship Sunday morning and then getting ready for dad’s service at 3:00.

My prayer today is that people understand what a big deal this is. Dad’s contribution to this world was significant and far reaching, and there is a lot to learn from his humble, kind, generous approach to life. Quite simply, there is a serious worldwide shortage of people like David Maul, and if people truly understood this there would be standing room only at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church this afternoon.

Wherever you happen to be at 3:00, please pause for a few moments, take off your hat, bow your head, and give thanks for the life of an epically good human being. My dad.

In love, and because of love – DEREK