Originally posted on Facebook on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

In Week 10 of 52 Weeks of Gratefulness, I give thanks to God for a proud moment.

I got to hang out with our dad this past weekend for his birthday. Anyone who knows him knows it’s hard to pin him down. He’s always on the move. But one sure place to find him is in church on Sunday morning… or somewhere eating afterward 🤣

So that’s where I met him—at a small Methodist church on the outskirts of town.

What he was doing there was remarkable.

Our dad stepped down from the pastorate a couple of years ago after 50 years of pastoring. He could have gone anywhere. Instead, he chose to support a young Black pastor who is just getting his start at a church with maybe 10–12 people in attendance.

Being there with Dad was nostalgic.

I remember back when our family was assigned to a new parish. There were months when it was just our family and one or two others on Sunday morning. But Dad stayed the course, and that church grew into a community of friends I’m still connected with to this day.

I once asked him about retirement some time ago, and without hesitation he responded:

“This is not a job, son. It’s a calling.”

And here I find him, tirelessly doing what he was called to do—being who he is.

He is consistent to a fault.

It’s something I admire and aspire to.

During the service, the pastor asked if anyone had any news to share. Dad sat up a little bit straighter, pointed to me, and said,

“I’m here with my son, Paul Christopher Luckett.”

It was clear he was proud.

I was too.

Happy Birthday, Dad. I love you.

I’m grateful.

#52WoG #HappyBirthdayDad