Chapter 29 Summary

Jayber quits his gravedigger job, but continues to work for the church every weekend. He is convinced that Christ did not intend to found organized religion, but an unorganized one, instead. He revisits the places he has known. Renting the building in town has brought problems. He has come to belong in his river place as he belonged in Port William. Jayber feels that the events in his life have been a surprise which he has watched from the sidelines. He wonders if we are in an eternal story that happens partly in time.

Jayber enjoys his boat and trotline, and stays busy with his gardening, household chores and barbering. He sometimes goes to the Nest Egg and in winter, and stays cozy in his little cabin. The possibility of flood is always present. When the river rises, if it leaves ice it...