By Marvin and Becky Repinski

Marvin and Becky Repinski wish to share, under seven words, a summary of bits and pieces from recent months:

1. Transitions — The healing yet continues with the deaths of family members, some tragic and unexpected. A little over a year ago, Becky’s brother, Dr. Richard Schindler, died in an area he loved — a bicycle accident at age 72. We also lost our beloved yellow Lab, Moses, to cancer at the end of May. The house is very empty without him.

2. Travel — We’ve had visits from out-of-state brothers and two children, Christine and Christopher, who both live in the Twin Cities. Our own trip to the gorgeous state of South Carolina in October to visit Becky’s brother Jim and his wife Kitty, was the highlight of the year. Clemson, South Carolina is a college town with currently the best small college football team in the nation. Since it was Homecoming weekend, we were able to enjoy all the excitement.

3. Turmoil — Do we need to add to the madness, violence and confusion of the world? Our Twin Cities — racism — and the endless war, broken promises, and revenge continue in the Middle East. President Obama, who we appreciate very much, will be in Paris (that current place of siege), to attend a world leadership conference. Can we please, live with hope? The Oct. 19th issue of “Time” magazine, titled “Exodus,” explores tragedy in a manner that makes one weep.

4. Transparency — A word that embraces a good chunk of our free time is books. A recent article that Marv wrote for the local Austin newspaper, focuses on this mutual satisfaction. We mentioned our motto of sorts — “Read, read, read and you will live longer.” A question: What are you reading? Do you follow the reviews? The hours we spend on the Minneapolis “StarTribune” and the Sunday edition of the “New York Times,” keeps us afloat! Great authors have that rare gift of making us turn inward and also be involved in the world. Books we would recommend: A Constellation of Vital Phenomena (by Anthony Marra); All the Light We Cannot See (Anthony Doerr); Moral Tribes (Joshua Greene); The Dynamics of Creation ( Anthony Storr); Something Rich and Strange (Ron Rash); The Better Angels of our Nature (Steven Pinker); and anything by Karen Armstrong or David Brooks.

5. Tracking — Communication is that rare gift: give/receive. I think of that stunning sentence about Jesus in Matthew 27:29 — “…….and led him away to crucify him.” To this day, we follow, add to, and continue the story of our Lord. The many ecumenical expressions may not utilize the same theologies, liturgies, dogmas, traditions, rituals, and church order, but let us know the boat is large. No one is excluded. Refreshing is the new leader of the Catholic tradition, Pope Francis. He is also our brother!

6. Trustworthy — Certain persons mark our journeys: John Philipps at an Assembly of God school, Jeanne Audrey Powers, who mentored me (did she realize it?), Paul Holmer at Yale University, and hold up your hands if you realize the good influence of Bishop Bruce and Char Ough. And don’t forget Ken Beck, proof of life after death?

7. Tranquility — The path of spirituality is growing in a number of persons: The institutional approach supplemented by personal quests. There is something about the heart’s affections and proper sympathy. Reminder — Psalm 15, the Beatitudes and our Lord’s Prayer.

We wish you God’s peace!

Marvin Repinski is a retired United Methodist pastor. Becky Repinski served nine years on the board of trustees for Austin Public Library.