the man!!!

guess who? that's right folks... it is the man himself... in person... eugene peterson. i had hoped to get a goofy picture with him (like him holding me in his arms or fake punching me in the nose) but chickened out when it came time. so we got a serious one... one that will hang on the wall of my study. i still think he would have gone for the goofy one.

he has been here at pts the past few days speaking at a seminarian's conference. it was amazing to see him and hear him speak for the first time. he looks older than i imagined... not in a bad way... but it appears that he has worn himself out from a well-lived life. his voice seems especially worn out. it is quiet and raspy... like he has spent years preaching the gospel and talking about Christ and one of these days his voice will disappear as enoch did. he seems to be a very gentle man, and he does not demand attention when he speaks. he gets it, though, because his words are wise and filled with truth. he speaks just as he writes. he speaks with deep concern for the church and the spiritual lives of the people of God. he seems so serious, but just when you think that he could probably get dull to be around, he smiles. he has the greatest smile. his whole body smiles. you see the life in him. you can tell just looking at him that there is a tremendous amount of energy built up in him. there are words waiting to burst through the surface. words about hope and love and resurrection. words to correct and encourage.

he is like no other. i pray all of you will read his words at some point in your life, and if you have the opportunity to hear him speak in person, do it. you will not be disappointed. he is indeed a modern prophet.

cheers from the best seminary in the world,
jw