Minuet

I’ve asked reviewers which was their favorite chapter in the book. I was surprised to find that many found this to be their favorite. It seems that the afternoon activity of restoring the bells resonates with many readers. I believe that this service helps bring Jeremy and Stephen closer together.

Jeremy’s activities bring back fond memories of participating in the JROTC unit at my High School. I can easily identify the sharp odors of Brasso and Neatsfoot from many hours spent cleaning the brass and leather straps of my uniforms. I was one of those geeky types who polished their brass and dress shoes every day – even if I hadn’t actually worn them for a week or more. I always had great looking shoes; well, at least until I stepped out of my house and onto the dirt roads of my neighborhood.

Stephen may have experienced the same fleeting pleasure with his cleaning activities. Jeremy’s question causes him to consider:

"Steve, what do you think changed the bells the most?"

In the end, it wasn’t any of the chemicals, cloths, or solutions that caused the greatest change in the old set of bells. Jeremy points to one of Stephen’s sermons, one that he had used in his application letter to the church for the answer.

"The most important thing, the thing that changed the bells the most, wasn't any of the chemicals or cleaners. It wasn't even the effort we put into the work.

"The most important thing was love."