This past week my mother, four sisters, all of our spouses and I celebrated my Dad’s retirement after over four decades of surgery. It was wonderful to gather together to hear his surgery stories and to give tributes to his incredible career.

Whether showing medical students the best practices in surgery, teaching Bible studies to residency students, chatting with the cafeteria cooks, or explaining medical procedures to concerned patients and their families, Dad talked to everyone with dignity and respect. He knew he wasn’t working with “mere mortals,” but with precious people created in the image of God. While treating their physical bodies, he also offered spiritual medicine for their souls.