Pastors have to say goodbye a lot. There are all kinds of goodbyes. There are people who pass away and we lead the congregation in saying goodbye. There are people who get mad and move to another church. Then we are teaching people to say goodbye in healthy and loving ways. And there are the goodbyes that stem from those times when life requires a new geographic location.
Tonight the church had to say goodbye to a wonderful couple who has added a lot of the church over the years. But life was drawing them to a new town and away from us. I listened to people share stories as they laughed and cried together. There was a wonderful feeling in the room as we reflected together on all they had meant to us.
I do not want them to go, but I recognize the need for them to go. I also realize that it will bring a change to the church. The roles they filled will be empty ... because no one is quite like them. It is one of the great mysteries .... how God can make each of us individually unique. We will feel their loss but I know that in time new people will rise up and the gifts and talents they bring will enrich the church in new ways.
I guess that saying goodbye is really an affirmation that God is still sovereign. I believe that God will bring us through and love and grace will still lead the way. The relationships we build never go away and love is never wasted.
Just Connie
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