From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.

John 1:16

Looking back, I have to say this “Year in Review” really begins six long years ago in 2017. That was when Rebekah and I took my parents on a Bermuda cruise to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. By the time we embarked we realized a wheelchair was in order for dad; by the end of the year he needed assistance in a wide variety of tasks; by his 90th birthday (2018) dad was more dependent on me than I could ever have imagined.

After that, through dad’s death in November of 2022 then mum’s in September this year, Rebekah and I found ourselves increasingly committed to every aspect of my parents’ care, twenty-four seven.

That reality continued to define the status quo for most of 2023, with retirement still nowhere close to the radical life shift we had imagined. We enjoyed our home in the lovely community of Wake Forest, we were blessed by our affiliation with Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, and we celebrated the simple joys of living together; but life beyond the two homes – set deep in the big trees at the end of the cul-de-sac, was still very much on hold.

But 2023 did see some travel: we managed a trip to Pensacola with David and Beks (thanks to the support of neighbors and friends), an adventure to see Andrew, Alicia and Mr. T. in Michigan (right after mum entered assisted living), and then the epic 12-day “recovery” cruise in October after mum had left this life.

Notes on the end of a century-long story:

My parents’ story spanned most of what we consider the modern era. They were children in the 1930’s, when England was working to recover from The Great War while trying avoid another one; their adolescence was dominated by WW2; then in 1948 they found each other, dedicating their life together to raising a family in a world where people followed Jesus in peace and justice and love. What they saw and experienced firsthand cannot, must not ever be forgotten.

It was my parents’ faithfulness as followers of Jesus that defined them, along with their commitment to family and neighbor. If you are new to this blog then please go back and read my words from their memorial services.

• David Maul (Nov 2022) “Standing up to testify“
• Grace Maul (Sept 2023) “Reflections on Grace Maul’s amazing life”

The beginning of a new story:

In a sense, Rebekah and I are now following up the season of caring for my parents with what amounts to a brand new life together. As of late September our story is very much something new.

So what better way to properly begin the “Retirement Era” of our life than by Rebekah going back to work!

November 27 we packed our cars, drove east, and moved into a delightful rental house across the street from Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church in Tarboro, NC, where Rebekah is serving as interim pastor for the coming year.

We are excited to have this opportunity to encourage and teach and inspire and help this strong church to live into their calling as disciples, and cast a clear vision for the future.

Our children and grands:

Rebekah and I have so much to be grateful for, including our beautiful family. Here is a quick round-up of the who what where when and why.

Andrew and Alicia are still teaching in the Middle East. This is year three for them in the American School of Bahrain, a top-flight international school in the capital city of Manama, just off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf.

Our grandson “Mr. T.” is a happy, healthy four and a half year old who loves to learn and – especially – play with his trains. It was wonderful to spend a week with them in their Michigan summer home. Also, we see more international travel in our future too.

Naomi and Craig’s busy family are settled enough in Orlando to be building their own home (coming in the fall of 2024). Craig continues to excel as a Trader Joe’s captain/manager and Naomi is “all go” with David (12), Beks (10), and Geoffrey (3).

David and Beks are full of creative energy, doing well in school and devoted to their little brother, who – of course – adores them in turn.

Conclusion:

Wrapping things up, the best I can say is that Rebekah and I – along with Max – are grateful for the generous and abundant blessings that define our lives from day to day.

Life is not necessarily easy; but it is rich, and abundant, and full, and so loaded with purpose and promise that some days we can hardly catch our breath!

We were not created to mark time, or to sit back and watch the world go by. Yes, Rebekah and I both turned sixty-seven this year, and we absolutely intend to rest when we are weary; but we both feel this sense of urgency that this world is in serious need of the Good News message that Jesus came – beginning that first Christmas – to share.

So please hear the words from John 1: “From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:16-17).

One of my goals during this “Tarboro Year” is to complete another book. Lord knows I am still learning enough, day by day, that there is adequate material and to spare!

Look for my “2023 in Pictures” post somewhere around the end of the month. In the meanwhile, have an amazing holiday season.

Peace and love – DEREK and REBEKAH