the love of ministry…

 

My heart is full and happy this morning as I think back on the past week. Thursday myself, Austin (cool dude in my youth group), and Elizabeth packed a snare drum, and my guitar in our little Civic for a trek across Indio (Indiana and Ohio). We played background music in a coffee house setting for a good friend and fellow youth pastor in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. It was a delightful trip. The McAlvey’s have become fast friends. They were very hospitable to us. We stayed in there home and ate at their table and used their wi-fi. They were great tour guides as they drove us around the beautiful area in which they live. The beautiful homes and quaint villages reminded me of the north east United States. It is a wonderful thing to fellowship with others who have committed their entire life to the ministry of the Gospel.

As we were driving back across the plains of Indio my brother Chuk called and we had a nice talk. In the conversation I mentioned my desire for the Parkwood guitar that I have been eyeing for some time. He didn’t say much, the conversation ended and he said he would call me back. After a couple hours Chuk called back with the greeting, “Hey dude, the eagle has landed”. I said, “What do you mean?” He said, “I bought you that Parkwood and I’m on my way down to your place to bring it to you.” I could not believe what he was telling me. I remember teaching Chuk a few chords on the guitar Dad bought at Wildwood Music in Coshocton, Ohio made by Simon and Patrick Luthiers. He quickly shot past my skill level. He now inspires me with the music he makes. We have written music together, sang on the streets of Kentucky together, sang in the amphitheater in our home town together, gone to Michael Card concerts, sat on the floor of the bedroom listening to John Denver tunes and figuring out how to play them, enjoyed the music of Bill Monroe, Ricky Skaggs, Old Crow and others. Last night we stood on the little stage in our youth room. Chuk told a story about our heritage of Kentucky and bluegrass music. Then we sang a song about heaven and how sweet it will be to meet on those beautiful shores someday. Chuk played his Taylor. He sang the lead and I harmonized. We did ministry together. I can say it was one of the best times of my life. I love my brother. I loved him before he bought me a beautiful, all-natural Sitka spruce and India Rosewood, grand auditorium Parkwood guitar.

Kyle