Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

Reflections Maxie Dunnam By The Pinecone | September 2024 • 9 • September Vesper Services | 6:30pm | Performing Arts Center September 12 Bryan Hawthorne Seminary Student First Baptist September 19 Rev Barry Henson Rossville Church September 26 Butch Odom Church Health Center Director Wellness Programs September 5 Eric Brand Lay Teacher Advent Presbyterian I never thought of it…never! But it happened. On August 12th I became ninety, yes, 90 years old. Kirby folks knew about it because you showered me with cards, notes, and so many acts of kindness. Thank you. I have saved them all, read them twice, and will read them at least one more time. What a loving, paying- attention community you are. My children and our Church Sunday School Class had a party and Jerry and I were overwhelmed. I came to Christ Methodist Church as Senior Pastor in 1983; we have been related in different ways since. We have shared leading people into a faith relation with Christ, baptisms, weddings, funerals, and worship. Hundreds of people greeted us, most with a warm hug and smiling, tearful words. What an affirming joyful celebration. Jerry and I continue to bask in the celebration that went on for days. Jerry felt and shared it first: “We are hearing said to us what people will be saying to each other about us at our funeral. What a treasure.” Thankfully the opportunity for this reflection comes now in this Pinecone , and I want to speak personally to you. But what can I say? At the peak of his career, Mark Twain earned $5 a word for the magazine articles he wrote. Someone sent Twain a $5 bill with this note: "Dear Mr. Twain: Please send me a good word." On a sheet of paper Twain responded with one word: "Thanks!" During these past few week, and my turning ninety, thanks has been a dominant word. It has been dramatically confirmed: thanks is a very good word . It’s our primary expression of gratitude, and being grateful keeps our perspective clear. When we express thanks we acknowledge that we can't make it on our own. We are dependent on others. Thanks is a very good word ; it also expresses dependence on God. More times than not, when persons have expressed thanks to me, it has been for something we did together. Neither could have done it on their own…and also, we were inspired, guided and empowered by God. When I think of my ninety years, I relish how rich and rewarding, and have “counted for a lot.” But I want you to hear this thank you as a very good word . And forever being the preacher, If you want to give someone a good word, say "Thanks." Reverend Maxie Dunnam Writer and Humorist Mark Twain A VERY GOODWORD