Thankful

Yesterday was bittersweet.  The day started with a goodbye.  Our two associate pastors are moving on to their next assignment.  Our church honored them with a reception and then a moving combined service where we all had our opportunity to be served communion by them one last time.  Mixed emotions abound in me.  I have a definite fondness for them and will miss their presence in our church.  However, I know great things are in store and I'm happy to see them go forward in their ministry.

"Parting is such sweet sorrow....."

Parting from those we love reminds us to be thankful for the opportunity to have known them.  It prompts us to remember the good times we've had and feel blessed to have had those moments.  Our sorrow, in a way, honors the friendship.  But it also paves the way for change - for something new.

Saying goodbye to Carlos and Wendi yesterday was tough but we are now preparing to welcome Devon and Lauran to fill their shoes.  They are fresh faces to our congregation and although I've only met them on Facebook, I already can feel their energy.  I sense a transformation is on its way to our church......  and that excites me!

Would we have asked to say goodbye to our former pastors?  Not a chance.  Would we have desired to replace them?  No way.  BUT God - God is so good.  He has wonderful plans in store for Carlos and Wendi AND wonderful plans in store for us as well!  Both come in the form of new relationships!  And the beauty of that is, our goodbye to Carlos and Wendi was not permanent for we will see them again and always have the fond memories of them.  But now we also have the opportunity to form new memories with the new couple on their way to us!

And this makes me think of my personal friendships.  I have my close friends and I have those who were close at one time.  I remember many sad goodbyes but yet those fond memories remain.  I then realize they are still here, with me, in my heart - plus my heart has enlarged to include my newer friends.  I guess its a lot like when you have one child and you are expecting another and you wonder how in the world you could love another as much as you love the first.  But then the other baby is born and you see that your love is just as intense.  That is one of God's mysteries..... His gift of love.  Just when you think you're maxed out, you find more.  

He knows exactly what we need and when we need it.  His timing is perfect even when it involves change that may seem unpleasant initially.

And as Scott sang the song "Thankful" yesterday, these words stayed with me throughout the day.

So for tonight we pray for

What we know can be

And on this day we hope for

What we still can't see

It's up to us to be the change

And even though we all can still do more

There's so much to be thankful for

And I am so thankful.....  for the old, for the new.  Hope is fresh and love remains - through this faith is strengthened.