Rachel was my closest friend during some of the early adjustment years of marriage and ministry. We shared walks, talks, a Saturday prayer time, a few trips (to NYC and Portland), and late night "ginger root" tea. We met the week after the Petersons retired and moved back to Tacoma. I loved visiting Life Manor because Rachel was available and loved the presence of others. As a teacher, I often think about "What I learned" from being with such a kind, patient mentor:
1) Rachel said she was not patient, and that was why she never arrived anyplace early. (Who wants more patience anyway? If you pray for it, you are asking for trouble.)
2) Her exercise program became mine-we picked up litter rather than walked over it.
3) As women she taught me to cringe in disgust at thoughts of self-pity and count my blessings.
4) She showed me the purpose of being consistent at church with the intent of worshipping, not working or seeing friends. Yet, there was a reason for sitting in the same place--people could find you if they needed to talk or pray afterwards.
5) Rachel had the best sense of humor. A person may take life seriously, but not themselves. Laugh a lot--even at lice. (When I caught it from kids on our church bus routes-and could not get rid of it in less than a year, know that it's not the end of the world!) Though she had experienced multiplied changes Rachel did not fight change. She learned computers before I did. She had a great attitude when not in full-time ministry. If life is like riding a trapeez, Rachel knew how to grab the next one.
A few of the other lessons learned included:
6)Writing is a discipline, but it lasts. The pen is more powerful than the gun.
7)Cut back on "I's" in your writing.
I was able to become a bi-lingual teacher in the inner city when we moved to Fresno because Rachel would proof my writing...yes. She had courage to confront.
Sometimes we talked about the meaning of names. "Lamb" (the source of the name Rachel) fit her perfectly as her desire was to follow close behind her Shepherd. I hope Rachel never felt her early or later retirement years were wasted because her investment in my world, and the lives of many others in Tacoma could never be measured. It was easy for me to realize a need for an older Godly woman in my life, but I was very surprised when Rachel actually spent time with me. It was definitely an answer to the cry of my heart, and I have cherished this friendship for over twenty years.
I thank Rachel's family for their great care and love to her and Einar.
Poetry was something Rachel enjoyed reading. I am a common sense learner. Rachel said common sense was not so common. This has become my life's theme poem, yet it speaks mostly of Rachel. (I'm not sure of its source.)
"I'd rather see a sermon, than hear one any day. I'd rather one would walk with me, than merely point the way. The eye's a better pupil, and more willing than the ear. Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear. The best of all the teachers are the ones who live their creed, for to see the good in action is what everybody needs. And I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give, but there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live." (author?)
Love always,
Jan Radford, friend, children's minister, special education teacher.
Earl and Luke send their love also. We look forward to moving back to Washington this month and plan to live in Everett. How often am I reminded of Rachel? Whenever I pick up litter! (Daily!) She will always be a precious lamb to me.##imported-begin##Janet L. Radford##imported-end##
