Endings and Beginnings
I struggle with endings. I suspect I’m not alone in that. I have been known to delay finishing a book just so it wouldn’t end. I don’t especially like saying good bye. And Ben will tell you that I’m always grumpy on the last day of vacation. I struggle with endings.
And yet here we are, rapidly approaching an ending together. An ending full of goodbyes – and I also expect a few grumpy-days and tears (mine – and maybe yours too). Endings are hard. There is no way around it. Endings are hard.
But endings also contain beginnings. Something new grows out of the end. New ministries, new hopes, new dreams, new people, new stories, new faithfulness will all grow out of this ending. I have sensed God’s faithful presence so clearly, in this mixture of endings and beginnings. We all have a lot to look forward to.
Even still the ending is hard. Be gentle with your-selves, with each other, and with me as we walk through it together. Hear my heart-felt thanks for the ways we have gotten to share in the building of God’s kingdom together – for letting me into your homes and hospital rooms, into your vulnerability and your growth, for coming into our family’s home and hospital rooms, into our vulnerability and growth. I am beyond thankful for what we have shared. And I am beyond blessed for the ways we have become better disciples of Jesus Christ together. As our relationship changes, look for the ways God is at work, faithfully calling you to new relationships, new opportunities, and new ways of being the church together. Trust me, God is at work and is calling you!
I struggle with endings. And so as our family says goodbye to this church family, I pray that we will all know the Love that surrounds us is the Love that never ends!
–Pastor Cindy Lattimer