Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant

Today, on his 79th birthday, human rights activist and Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, South Africa Desmond Tutu retired from public life to spend more time with family.

Here is the link to the article by Episcopal Life Online: ttp://www.episcopalchurch.org/81831_125025_ENG_HTM.htm

On a personal note, I remember attending a quiet day at St. Peter's Church in Morristown, NJ in 1972 where a jovial, vibrant Fr. Tutu spoke with passion about love - Christian love that is powerful and contagious.  Afterward when my turn came to speak to him, he took my right hand between his two smallish, warm hands and thanked me profusely for coming out that day.  I was moved to place my left hand on top of his and he said: "There it is, my sister.  We are connected as family by the love of God!  Go and let others know.  Bless you child.".  He smiled and chuckled.  I turned to go and heard him thank the next attendee with the same fervor.

I attempt to pay the love forward to this day and, God willing, for the remainder of my days.  Although my hands no longer have the tactile memory of  that handshake  .... my heart does.