Seth Kellermann

Be Careful the Plates Are Hot

For the past ten years every year a group of us gathered with Peter for a 4-day retreat.  We would spend time talking, laughing, catching up, and then each one of us would have an hour to share whatever we wanted to from our lives while the other guys listened.  Then everyone would lay hands on that person and pray for them.  It was and remains one of the most profound things that I do in my life.  

Being the only one flying in from the West Coast, I would usually wake up for the first couple of days fairly jetlagged.  Peter would, of course, be already up, perfectly dressed with his hair immaculate.  In addition, he would have a full breakfast ready for us.  Peter seemed to care greatly about providing a place where we felt welcomed, nourished, and cared for.  He wanted it to be like home when we were with him.  Sometimes this care for us came with an edge of danger, the danger of course being from Peter’s love of serving dinner on hot plates.  There was at least one burned hand each year as one of us unsuspectingly picked up a plate for dinner.  

What I appreciate most about Peter was his willingness to take the time for me and in taking that time to really care for me.  He was involved in so many big things and yet he invested in me.  He wanted to hear my stories and to know what I cared about and what I struggled with.  That kind of love and compassion is not a common gift and I was blessed through his love for me.  I thank God for Peter’s life and for the way that his life showed me the grace and love of Jesus Christ.  I also thank God that He has prepared a feast for Peter and I trust that the Lord has the plates hot for him.    

Seth Kellermann