Huckaby: Speaking engagement at Athens church reminiscent of pre-pandemic gatherings

Once in a great while we get so accustomed to doing the things we do in life that we just go through the motions, performing more out of habit than a sense of passion.

We find ourselves just drifting along on the calm waters of life, comfortably ensconced in tradition and the way things have always been done.  During those rather morose periods we might be prone to wander and to forget that there are real people out in the world who buy the newspaper each week and look forward to reading whatever it is this scribe has to say.

I was reminded of that truism this very week when I was afforded the very high honor of addressing 120 members of the Senior Fun Group at Athens United Methodist Church.  Being around so many of my Methodist friends, as well as a few Baptists, Presbyterians and others that slipped in the side door was good for my soul.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, would have been pleased because he was always eager to inquire about the condition of a parishioner’s soul.

There was none of this trivial “How are you?  I’m fine, How are you? How’s your mama and ‘em?” with Wesley.  When he walked into a small group, he would look folks in the eye and ask, “How is it with your soul?” He expected two things: reflection and an honest answer.

After much reflection, following my visit with the Senior Fun Club, I decided that it is well with my soul.

I thrive on being around people. I love to share my humor and my convictions with  folks who seem eager to hear me discuss said convictions.  What good is being a storyteller if there is no one to listen to your stories?

COVID kind of did me in.  I used to make upwards of 200 public appearances a year, making people laugh and think and occasionally cry.  If I sold a book or three in the process, so much the better. But I took great energy from being with these fine folks on a regular basis.

Two years ago, that part of my world began to stop turning.  Many churches eschewed meeting in person.  Others had limited gatherings for Sunday worship with acceptable social distancing and face masks and a moratorium on singing or exhortation, as I understand it.

Senior citizen groups, like the United Methodist Senior Fun Group, went to the mattresses for months (Godfather move reference—look it up) and folks like me, who thrive on being with and entertaining such gentle souls, were stuck at home telling stories to family members who had heard them all and had quit believing the teller of tales was cute or funny or special many moons before.

So, speaking at the church Thursday was tonic for my soul and I checked off lots of boxes that had been covered in cobwebs prior to my appearance.

I was able to reminisce with old friends and make a few new ones, while being reminded that old folks used to be pretty dang tough. One in attendance had been recently named to the U.S. Coast Guard Hall of Fame.  That’s pretty high cotton.  He told me he got his start by being kicked out of Avondale Estates for stealing street signs. Got to be more to that story.

After a scrumptious meal I got to address the crowd and tell a few stories about growing up in Porterdale and coexisting with my three children and my lovely wife, Lisa. We even slid a little scripture into our time together. Jeremiah 29—11.  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I displayed my $60,000 light bulb and told the story that went with it.  I answered a couple of questions, one of which somehow led to a discussion of the time I was a member of the World Champion NCAA Streaking Team at UGA back in 1974.

Yes, I told that in a. church.  His grace is sufficient for me.  Thankfully, no none asked about Effie’s.

Finally, I sold a few books and got away in time to be make my doctor’s appointment in Conyers.  I was only 10 minutes late.

It was a great afternoon. I hope those who invited me and came to hear me enjoyed the function as much as I did.  It was a true tonic to my soul, and I hope this signals a return to normalcy and more opportunities to return to a pre-pandemic schedule.

Though his columns will no longer appear in this publication, fans of Darrell Huckaby can follow him at www.darrellhuckaby.net.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Huckaby: Yearning to return to pre-pandemic era public gatherings