Did you know that Walt Disney before his name became a household word was told; “you can’t draw.” I like that story because it offers me hope in the pursuit of my goal and that is to write a book! In my university years a philosophy professor said to me while looking at my assignment; “John, it looks like your paper has gone through hard times.” Well, before my book is completed it will have gone through some hard times as well but I will complete it.

   The type of book I envision is not a theological masterpiece there are plenty of those out there already. No, my book will be far less serious in fact I hope that when people read my book they will be able to laugh and even perhaps to shed a few tears. I want to tell the story of my 39 years in the ministry. Yes, you heard me say correctly, 39 years!!!! From the day I first dragged my trunk across campus thinking to myself, “I will never make the seven years in front of me,”  to 43 years later as I contemplate retirement I want to share with the reader what it is like to be a minister. If you the reader have crossed my path during my ministry you may find yourself in my book. Were you the one I watched the flying saucer with or were you the one for whom I conducted your wedding and you are still married? Were you the person with whom I could let my hair down and say; “Look I have a problem.” Perhaps you were the one or you know the one whom I caught preparing to poach lobsters and a few days later I found a pot of cooked lobster on my back steps! Maybe you were the one who scolded me for not bringing as many people into the church as a previous minister with a drinking problem had brought in! Then again you might have been by the bedside with me as we watched and prayed over your dad who was dying. Were you my friend with whom I fished while sitting on a dock sipping tea from a silver tray service! Maybe just maybe you were in the crowd of over 30,000 who watched as I led a service of color dedication for the Calgary Highlanders. If you weren’t in the crowd I know one who was and that was her majesty Queen Elizabeth who stood 10 feet in front of me. I have met people from all walks in life. I treasure the memories of many and shudder at the memories of others. A counselor that I had while in university once said to me; “John, just because you are about to become a minister doesn’t mean that everyone is going to like you.” Dear reader; you maybe one of those who didn’t like me but I do hope that you will enjoy reading my book. Watch for it!