This is my church. I am fairly new here, having been at my former church for about 21 years. I have only been a member of this church for about 2 1/2 years. We came as guests of a friend.....and never left. What struck me about this church, is how healthy it seemed...I looked at all the programs and people...and especially programs for my kids. The once thriving church that I had been a member of for so long, was ill...and though I had tried my best to be part of the healing process....the winds of change told me on that first visit....that it was time for a change. Without a word, I was being nudged in this direction by some unexplainable force that I could not really put words to.
Many people might find this hard to believe....but it takes me awhile to warm up, to share my true self, to be me. It was nice for awhile to just sit and be fed and be anonymous. Slowly, I have started to get involved...start to make connections.
Today, it was announced that the Pastor Bob and his wife Frances, who have served the church for 16 years will be moving and a new pastor will be brought in. I have lived through this. I watched as people grieved. I watched people console each other. I, too, am saddened. My daughter says this is the only pastor in her life that has ever touched her with his preaching...and who she has gotten so much from. But we didn't come only for Pastor Bob. He was certainly an influence on our decision. It was not one person that beckoned us. It was everyone doing their part. Though his departure will leave a void for awhile. I know that everyone will gather together and move forward. This is our church now, our home and I am honored to be going through this change with all these wonderful people.
The winds of change are blowing...and they are blowing change over the Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church. There will be goodbyes and there will be sadness and there will be welcoming and transitions. They will all get through it. If I have learned anything, I have learned that life is constantly changing and evolving. We will turn and look behind us at was with a sentimental longing...and then we will face the future with a happy heart full of resolve and willingness to change and we will move forward...because that is how life is. I will be praying for all the people and all the process to be full of peace, hope and love.
"Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge."
~ Eckhart Tolle
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