I made a discreet exit Sunday, (11/5) morning from the '23 National Samson Society retreat in anticipation of worshipping at Marshall (TX) EPC church at 10:45 AM. Angie and my youngest daughter were my ride out of Van (Sky Ranch) having spent the majority of the weekend in the Big D. Hence, a plethora of proactive farewells had to ensue in light of this.
Post Presbyterian church service, we had lunch with the pastor and his beautiful family (wife and two preschool children), and I watched in amazement as he (my pastor friend) as the dad, quietly / respectfully parented their 3-year-old son there in the restaurant dining room via his physical presence alone. The boy was - as all boys are - completely captivated by 3-D space (the maze-like restaurant interior). Hence, he simply was naturally compelled to explore it / sensory experience it as he moved around playfully on the tile floor. His dad, my pastor friend, kept one watchful eye on him throughout our verbose dialogue, and when warranted, would relay a direct vocal command or simple finger snap expertly. The boy would respond almost instantaneously to his father's direction with zero protest, having a clear-cut understanding of both his role as the boy (dependent) as well as his father's (parent).
My pastor friend's son was mischievous but not overly. And his exuberance / joy relative to engaging therein was infectious. I found myself in awe of this parenting dance as my friend and I caught up almost seamlessly.
All the while, my pastor friend's daughter (5 to 6 years-old) stayed close to her mom at our dining table as all of this - w/ younger brother - was transpiring. She seemed oblivious to her sibling's exploratory dance as she listened via comfortably situating herself with the adults (and her baby doll).
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Whilst at the 2023 National Samson Society retreat, our neighborhood homeowners' association annual meeting transpired. Hence, I was a no-show.
Two of the current 3-member board of directors are ready to step down, therefore the primary purpose of this meeting was to establish (nominate & vote-in) successors (fresh blood). Because I serve as the nominating chair (having served as HOA board president from 2003-2011), I'd had a letter sent out +/-45 days ago explaining the soon-to-be vacancies to our (81) homeowners.
After arriving home late Sunday, (11/5) evening from our weekend of travel, I felt so grateful to no longer have any direct responsibility to that important administrative group. Hence, I experienced not even the slightest hint of embarrassment having not been available to offer my physical support via being present the day prior.
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This 2023 National Samson Society retreat afforded me the opportunity to volunteer (in advance of my arrival), and I did so relative to the registration table(s). Because I knew well the man who was overseeing this post, helping out was a joy. Plus, seeing the countenances of the hundreds of Samson guys funnel through to register was a delight to behold.
Overall, though, it was incredibly emotionally exhausting. I was there throughout most of the afternoon and evening.
Nonetheless, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
The retreat was so massively influential that I'm still processing everything that went down. From the keynote speaker to the workshops to the rekindling / solidification of friendships. It was a true level up for Rob on all fronts.
