Saying Goodbye...

Well first let me say this has been an incredibly long and tiring weekend. It has been very good, but very long. Sometimes it amazes me how certain things (emotional moments) can sap your energy more than physical activity! This weekend proved to be one of those times.

As the weekend began, one of the dear ladies within our church family passed away. She had been sick off and on and had "fought a good fight". She was 78 years old and had served the Lord for most of that time. Her passing was truly a "Home-going!" More on that later...

On Friday I also prepared to marry one of the couples within our church. We had their wedding rehearsal and had such a good time (we laughed way more than we probably should have). On Saturday I married them and watched as they began their life together. It was very fun and a real joy for me to participate! That afternoon we said good-bye as they left for their honeymoon.

On Saturday we also received a visit from one of our former students (who happens to be all grown up now). She was a part of our youth ministries in the early 90's and today she works just outside of Washington, DC. She is doing great and still passionate about her relationship with Jesus.

By the time Sunday rolled around - I was very drained...and yet my weekend was just beginning. Have you ever been there?

After the am service I received some information that one of the families in our church were going to be moving away. This family is such a key part of what God has been doing at TFC (Trinity Fellowship Church) and hearing this totally caught me off guard. As I tried to be supportive, deep in my heart and mind I was already grieving their loss. Saying good-bye just never seems to be easy for me.

Well, after a picnic with my small group up on Paris Mountain (so beautiful). We told our group good-bye and went home to crash. Monday turned out to be a nice memorial day...we explained to our children what we were remembering and honored those who had given their lives for our country and our freedom. After a cook-out at home our friend Jill (from DC) loaded up her things and my wife took her to the airport. Again, we said good-bye. 

And that brings me back to today. I watched as nearly 200 people packed a room to remember Helen Robertson. The stories that were told would have made even the toughest of hearts soften. One man said he had know her for nearly 60 years and yet in all that time could not remember one bad thing about this woman. She was precious - genuinely sweet. And as I finished speaking and we prepared to leave the grave side...we all were forced to say good-bye.

And life goes on! Our parting ways and closing chapters doesn't complete the story. God still has more and the story is still being written. So I must rest and live to serve God in more ways in the days ahead. 

May you be blessed today and stay focused on the call for which God has given you. Be blessed.