The old saying “Parting is such sweet sorrow” has been bandied about so much, it seems to have loss all meaning except as a joke. I used to wonder why the word “sweet” was part of this phrase. However over the last few days, the phrase has taken on new meaning for me. There have been a lot of goodbyes over the last few days both at work and at church and among other friends as well. Saying goodbye definitely has sorrow involved. But in that moment of saying goodbye, the sweetness is also present as I am reminded of how dear that individual’s friendship is to me. It is that sweet reminder that makes saying goodbye challenging. People have asked me, “Have you been crying a lot the last few days?” I am not a crier so the answer for now is still “no.” The lack of tears though, does not mean I don’t care. I will miss you all very much. Instead of tears I have been hugging everyone often and tightly. But I know from past experience that there may be a delayed reaction later on. For right now it has not yet fully hit me. Friday was my last day at my job at the law firm. They had a big farewell luncheon on Friday and we had a good and very meaningful last day. I was blown away by all the kind words, gifts, and goodbyes. We have worked deeply together for many years and I have learned so much from all of them and we really were a team. It is very odd to think that I will not be in the office come Monday morning. Sunday was my last Sunday at church. It was special to have one last time to worship God together in song with the choir and to have the added opportunity to sing the special music in the evening service. The Lord led me to sing a song I haven’t done in a long time called “My Father’s Love.” My prayer was that the song would encourage the hearers both as they are concerned for me and also for situations they themselves are facing, that we would all be pointed to our Heavenly Father and His All-Powerful control. The chorus of this song beautifully expresses why I am without fear even while heading into a new and unknown situation: “And my Father’s Love is strong and true, always believing, always seeing me through. So no matter what happens in His grand design, I’ll be fine, with my Father’s love.” This week I’ll be busy packing and ironing out all the last minute details that have to be wrapped up before I fly out Saturday for language school. I am excited to be stepping out into this new stage of life and for all the new things I will learn and the people I will meet. Praising God for all that He is bringing to pass. |
0 Comments
God has blessed me with some incredibly talented and generous friends. One dear friend designed a beautiful prayer card for my ministry in Nicaragua. And a second friend got them printed for me. What a special moment it was yesterday when I came home after a long day at the office to find a box waiting for me. I was excited to discover the prayer cards inside!! They look very professional and are in full color with a high-gloss finish. Suddenly in that moment, my thought was "Wow, this is for real!" I will be handing them out on Sunday at church, following my presentation Sunday night. If any of you would like one, please message me and I would be happy to send you one. If you are ever in need of a graphic design artist, I highly recommend my friend to you. You can check out her page at: http://www.jessfranksdesign.com/ ANNOUNCEMENT: On Sunday night, April 19th, at 6:00PM, I will be giving my first presentation about the work in Nicaragua. It will be at my home church, Farmington Avenue Baptist Church, 155 Mountain Road, West Hartford, CT 06107. You are warmly invited to attend. The presentation will be 10-15 minutes long, and I will have a display table where people can learn more about Nicaragua and can sign up to be a prayer partner or arrange to learn more about becoming a ministry partner.
|
AuthorNot only do I love water, but I love and am loved by the One who created water: The Living God of the Bible. Jesus, God the Son, referred to Himself as the “Living Water.” He is the one who gave us life in the first place and offers us the opportunity to reconcile with Him and have eternal life in heaven. He is the only One who can completely satisfy the thirst of your soul for meaning and wholeness. Archives
March 2021
Categories |