The Sendoff

I don't think most pastors are this well-loved.

In fact... I know they are not. Oh, it's not that we don't know that in any church (especially those which practice congregational polity) things can change at any moment (any church conference)... but in too many churches the tensions between pastor and church, or church leadership, are just below the surface. Or they are the tempest ever roiling the surface. In many cases, this tension exists in a kind of quiet animosity between pastor and church. In our neck of the woods it's a polite, southern, "Oh... everything's just... 'fine'!" animosity, that shows itself with rolled eyes and with sighs (yes, sighs, too deep for groanings!)

So, things could change. We know. But at the moment, we are cared for and cared about, respected... and deeply loved.

Today's pot-luck (Amy's favorite dining experience) was just one more evidence of this love-fest, now nigh-unto 9 years old. (OK... everyone doesn't love us. We're also honest about that, too!) But the sentiment is communicated across a broad swath of this church. And it is reciprocated. With very little reservation.

So, we prepare to leave (we'll be in this office this week), and know that we go with your blessing. You should know that as we go, you will be in our hearts. We are not escaping you, but, honestly, escaping for you. Hoping that this little experiment in "absence makes the heart grow fonder" will make our mutual affection deeper, more honest, more understood. And that when we return, there will be a little more spring in our step. (You know, love has a way of taking a little of it out of you!)

Thanks for the sendoff. For the gifts. For the thoughts. The prayers.

Thanks for the love.

It's what will bring us back.

I promise.

r