The .Plan

At sunset on a November day, a palette of ochre, gold, green, moss and sage in the surrounding fields darkened to duskier tones under pink-tinged skies. A couple rocked lazily on a wooden swing overlooking the vineyards, wineglasses in hand. Inside the tasting room, Jessica Stapp poured for a handful of guests, chatting amiably with them as they tasted, paused and tasted again. Her relaxed rhythm matched the murmur of conversation, making for a setting that beckoned guests to sip slowly and savor the day.

“Are you ready for the next one?” she asked.
–Louise Tutelian, “Sipping Through the Next Great Wine Region in California”, New York Times, December 14, 2007

After every Sunday morning service, my former pastor would say the same prayer:

Now go into the world in peace,
and have courage.
Hold on to what is good.
Honor all men.
Strengthen the fainthearted,
support the weak,
help the suffering,
and share the gospel.
Love and serve the Lord together in the power of the Holy Spirit,
and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ
be with you all,
until we meet again.

As a closing benediction, it was brilliant. He couldn’t go wrong repeating the same thing week after week. Because there was always something in there that could touch you deeply.