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May 23,
2008
The song uses Solomon’s words, “There is a season, turn,
turn, turn . . . . a time for every season under heaven.” And
I look back on the week and think, “If this is what the season
of transition is like, I’d prefer another season.”
Two weeks ago I mailed a letter to our church families announcing an
upcoming change in job description. Earlier this week I met the church
leadership of the Sacramento-Woodside church.
Yesterday
a communication from the the Conference President made this move official.
We have been asked, and we have accepted a request to lead in a new
setting. I will most likely take up my next responsibilities by the
end of the summer.
This decision has necessitated many more decisions. Where will we live?
What about my wife’s work? And even though I told myself four
weeks ago that I would stay focused until I was gone, I’ve found
myself spending a lot of my week grieving what I will leave.
I figured the more moves I had executed, the easier they’d become.
It appears that I’ve grown older faster than I’ve moved
the net effect is that change is becoming more and more difficult.
I guess what I’m trying to express is the conflict between what
we have to look forward to and what we will lose in leaving. Both the
forward and backward glances have so much value for us. We are surrounded
by so much blessing. We have so much left in our destiny. Is it possible
to live life with a hand in both perspectives? Is it possible to do
so and be healthy?
Right now I have the stress of the unknown future and the grief of leaving
my past relationships. This isn’t a reality I wish for you. But
it seems reasonable expect to live with the anticipation of the future
and the memory of past blessing and love. That perspective seems to
be a very rich life.
“I’m torn between two desires: Sometimes I want to live,
and sometimes I long to go and be with Christ. That would be far better
for me, but it is better for you that I live. am convinced of this,
so I will continue with you so that you will grow and experience the
joy of your faith.” Philippians 1:23-25
With full commitment,
Pastor Steve
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