Clay Center Presbyterian Manor
JULY 2022
Editor’s Note: In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we regularly feature a column from a PMMA® chaplain in our newsletter. This month’s column comes from Greg Schmidt, chaplain at Newton Presbyterian Manor®
Chaplain’s Corner By Greg Schmidt
Jack and Eleanor McChesney celebrate 70 years together Jack and Eleanor McChesney just celebrated 70 years of marriage. They were married on June 22, 1952 when Eleanor was only 17. Jack was in the Air Force so they moved a couple times. After he left the Air Force Jack obtained his bachelor’s degree. After having four kids, Eleanor obtained her bachelor’s degree but kept going, receiving two master’s degrees as well.
When I was a kid—and into my young adulthood—my favorite getaway trip was to church camp in the Rockies. Over the years, I progressed from camper to camp counselor to camp director, and in the latter position, I introduced the Mennonite Brethren church camp world to Noah’s Ark Whitewater Rafting Co.! That added a few “ice cold” stories to all the others!
To mark the anniversary, we asked them about their time together, including their advice for the rest of us. 1. What’s your favorite memory of your marriage? Having four kids together, two of each. Best moments were when each of them was born.
But what happens when you cannot “escape the heat” of life’s daily battles? How does one find ways to rest or relax in place? You may not like my answer. I believe every one of us desperately needs to allow our hearts and minds to find comfort by taking us away in our thoughts to a place where
2. What was the biggest argument you’ve gotten into? Money issues, but with any argument we would talk it through.
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July is here… and so is the heat! And what’s the best way to “beat the heat?” Look for Greg Schmidt a vacation spot that offers a cooler climate, right?!
Jack and Eleanor on their wedding day, June 22, 1952.
Escape the heat – continued on page 2
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Escape the heat – continued from page 1 we’ve experienced the love, grace, forgiveness and peace from God and (Christian) friends that have always been there for us. It is never good to stay forever pinned down to our inevitable problems. We must be able to escape. Mental respite is a must! I’m simply suggesting we ask God to let our minds take us to places we otherwise cannot go. I accomplish that by beginning where Jesus did—in prayer. When we ask God to help us recall those places, people, and moments when we perceived life as less troubled, less complicated, less corrupted by pain or disease or situations that caused us fear or panic, we discover peace. Our prayer should then shift to a state of productive meditation, staying in that personal place and allowing God to “heal” my body, spirit, and soul to the degree that my burden or worry is temporarily suspended. Just as our physical body needs at least four hours of deep sleep before it can even
begin to be restored and reenergized, our hearts and souls need sustained rest as well. A break from being bombarded by the challenges of everyday life, especially when those challenges include dealing with death and dying realities.
stream to take a long, needed drink, in complete peace, is inspirational to the Psalmist. So, he sets in place in a cave and meditates on what it would be like if he too, like the deer, could drink deep from the cool, refreshing resources of all that God has to offer.
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God.” The Psalmist is figuratively describing an internal need—a “thirsting after”—the One he believes will replenish his innermost needs. He doesn’t imagine a sip; he wants to drink deep. To do that will take time. It doesn’t happen on the fly or instantaneously.
We desperately need rest, especially when we’re facing “life and death.” Why? So that we have the resources and strength to fight life’s battles. Each of our Manors and communities, as well as our Heart & Soul Hospices are about finding rest for our patients and their families. And we get that needed rest when we choose to live and enjoy every moment God gives us rather than giving in to the pain, frustration, and discouragement that disease and discomfort naturally bring.
Why would he make that request? Because life is pinning him down. He’s needy. He’s stressed out. Because the pursuit of those people and situations that set out to do harm or destroy him are bearing down on him. Because sustained rest is the only thing that will restore his life and vision. So, the sight of a deer so at peace with her surroundings that she can stop and without fear, lower her head to the
So, right where you are, ask God to allow your heart and mind to travel to your vacation spot, your resting place. Not only do you need it, you also deserve it! And unlike making a booking with Noah’s Ark Whitewater Rafting Co., it won’t cost you a thing! u
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Community Matters 785-632-5646 u Fax: 785-632-5874 924 Eighth St. Clay Center, KS 67432-2620 ClayCenterPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2022
is published monthly for residents and friends of Clay Center Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: dkuhlman@pmma.org Dani Kuhlman, marketing director Amy Hoch Altwegg, executive director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
70 years – continued from page 1 3. What was your favorite date/vacation together?
Jack and Eleanor with kids.
Took a camper and drove to Alaska in 2003. Just Jack, Eleanor and the dog. 4. If you could relive one day of the last 70 years, which one would it be and why? Wedding day 5. What is your favorite thing about each other? Jack loves that Eleanor is always so forgiving. Jack and Eleanor with kids and spouses.
Eleanor loves that Jack has never been afraid to apologize when he is in the wrong. 6. What is the best piece of advice you can give to the younger generation on how to make a marriage last? Be patient with each other, it is sometimes hard to do but will help you persevere. Always be honest and open with each other as well when it comes to decisions. Never go to bed angry either.
Order of Children (oldest to youngest) Pat Obourn Vicki Streit Jim McChesney Bryan McChesney
70 years – continued on page 4
Jack and Eleanor with family.
Jack and Eleanor with grandkids.
Clay Center Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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70 years – continued from page 3
What their children saw during the past 70 years Vicki Streit (daughter) For myself, I think the thing that stands out the most to me is mom and dad’s incredible generosity. I’m sure they don’t see it themselves because it’s just what they do, but they have always been willing to help out just about anyone. I remember them saying many times that they had lots of help when they were just starting their lives together, so their intent had always been to pay that forward and they have done that many times over. I recall a time when a neighbor’s car wouldn’t run and I don’t think they either had the money to repair it or it was going to be in the shop for a while being repaired mom and dad had two cars, so they loaned one of the cars to the neighbor, even though it did inconvenience them. I also remember when my mother-in-law was
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2022
still living and living independently in Clay Center. She was no longer able to drive, so mom and dad would always call her when they were going to the grocery store to see if she needed anything. In their minds, I’m sure they didn’t think this was a big deal, but to the folks on the receiving end of it, it was huge! Pat Obourn (daughter) We used to laugh that Mom was the home-economics teacher, but Dad was the cook. Although they were both excellent cooks, it seemed like Dad was always coming up with something new and different-sometimes he made it up, but often they were recipes he found while looking through magazines as he waited for a haircut at the barber shop (yes, he used to have enough hair to need to have it cut once in a while.) u