Day in Salisbury

Today was a lazy Saturday. Definitely a rest day! I met up with Bishop William Gregg who is retired and living in Salisbury. He is the bishop that ordained me to the priesthood. Throughout my ordained life, he has been a wonderful mentor and friend. We met at lunch at a place called Recipe downtown Salisbury. It was great to spend some time with him and catch up. 


The afternoon was spent with Kyle figuring the materials it would take to fix/build his fence, I washed the bike for tomorrows ride, and had some quiet time around the house. Kyle and Kara have a bit of a zoo: 3 Cats and 2 Dogs. Peaches, Mopar, Bella, Shelby, and Yami. 


 

 

Today is the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It’s the celebration of the time that Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth when they were both pregnant; Mary with Jesus, and Elizabeth with John who will be known as John the Baptizer. If you remember the account from Luke 1:39-57, when Mary greeted Elizabeth, John “leapt” for joy in her womb. I’m sure it was difficult for them to imagine what path that both of them would lead or how things would turn out. At this point, all these women had was two miraculous pregnancies and the love between them with a very challenging future ahead. 

It has been a joy to spend a day with my son and his wife (and their animals! 😜) It brings to mind again how important family is in our lives, and those folks who are close friends that they feel like family (we’ll call them “framily”). When I titled this sabbatical A Pilgrimage of Reconnection and Renewal: An Episcopal Priest’s Journey to the Four Corners, I had the intention of making this about people and personal interactions as well as places along the journey. Tomorrow, I plan to attend early worship at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury, NC where my friend Robert Black is Rector. After church, I will head to the eastern part of North Carolina to meet my parents at Goose Creek State Park campground. 

Sorry, no ride today, so no video. The only videos I make on no-ride days is when I am visiting a location and take a bunch of pictures. 

Challenge to St. James: Stop for a minute and think about your family, those with you and those at a distance, and maybe those who are no longer with us. Take a deep breath and thank God for them, then call or write one or two that you haven’t seen in a while. You may make someone leap for joy at the sound of your greeting! 😁

Challenge to Self: Continue to connect and call those family and friends you have. During the journey, reconnect with them and renew your relationship. Always appreciate the people you encounter and what they have to teach you.

Salisbury, NC
Ride: 0 miles

Reading: Jesus and the Powers by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird







Location: Salisbury, NC, USA

Comments

  1. Mark WillsJune 1, 2025 at 12:32 PM

    I just learned of your escapade between services today. Add U2's "One" to your playlist. That was my connection to John 17 this morning.

    I look forward to watching your progress and reading your stories. Safe travels!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 1, 2025 at 5:54 PM

    The sermon today was great! The Morning Prayer Service went well and good attendance. I am keeping a list of your challenges to the congregation and anyone else following your spiritual path.

    ReplyDelete

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