Last night Gretchen and I said good-bye to a couple of friends who are moving. Their new job opportunity is outstanding. The potential for promotions and financial security is strong. Everything about the move feels right. . .except for leaving.
Like friends often do, we say we will stay in touch or will come to visit or we will be back. I suppose that sometimes is true. But most often, unfortunately, it comes down to a Christmas card once a year.
I hate that.
But what we have shared over these years has truly been a gift. And I'm not talking about the conversations or the parties or the shared meals (though they are all meaningful). I'm talking about the community, the relationship that has been built over the years at this church. It's more than a friendship. These are brothers and sisters. . .in Christ.
I don't want to hear one more time, "Ten million dollars for a building?" This has never been about bricks and mortar. The Master's Plan has always been about people. Building community, reaching youth, raising up leaders, serving those in need.
It's about being brothers and sisters in Christ, a bond that can never be broken by distance or time or even death. That's what we are building. A community that cannot be shaken no matter how many good byes we say.
Blessings to Wendy and Ralph!
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Scott - Thank you. For so many things, but mostly for the community that you have helped us create at Christ Lutheran. Though it has been an especially challenging day for us today, reading the devotional and really taking it to heart has helped. It is amazing how God speaks to us the way we need for him to. We will miss you all so much, but we will try to remember that the mission statement includes being sent out to make other disciples and will do our best to honor that.
ReplyDeleteWe wish you all peace,
The Ruocco Family