It was a monthly routine. One afternoon each month, we would meet for lunch at the same local restaurant. We would take turns saying the blessing and paying the bill. Occasionally, I would bring one of my sons with me if he was not in school. Over a meal and hot tea, we would spend several hours catching up; talking theology, ministry, family, and books; and simply enjoying each other’s company. We would swap stories, which would end sometimes in laughter and other times…