In 2005 my wife, Jan, and I moved into a condo along the shores of Lake Washington. Even though I had served as President of Seattle Pacific University back in the 1970s, I was unknown on the streets of the resort-like village of Kirkland, Washington. Each morning Molly, our Maltese puppy, and I went across the street for her “potty break” and exercise. Soon, with Molly as the introducer, I discovered a new world where strangers became friends through the connection of our dogs. Later, after two back surgeries, Jan joined us on our daily walk down the street, through the village, and around the park by using a doggie stroller as a substitute for a walker. The sight of the three of us walking down the street, with Molly peering forward from her seat at the helm of the stroller, became a phenomenon of its own on the streets of Kirkland. Together, we walked through an open door of learning and found that friendship based upon listening, caring, and giving is a grace that God reserves for plain people who walk daily and serve joyfully in common places.
