The Sad Days of Farewell

For the last two days we have had many hard goodbyes to say. It has been quite emotionally draining. Yesterday we said goodbye to our very dear friends with whom we go back many years. Today - our church family. First at Berean, the church where I grew up, and second, our home church. I shall miss my dear brothers and sisters very much.

At the home church, we had one final theology discussion (debate?). It all started when my friend, Christian, said: "So, Leah says you're becoming a Presbyterian. How in the world could anyone be a Calvinist?" And so it began. This is the only theology discussion he and I had ever had, so I was surprised that he ever brought it up in the first place. We are usually the ones who walk out when the conversation makes the turn towards this subject. We talked for some time, he and I, then others started gathering around and adding their two cents. This was fine, but it did change the dynamic of the conversation. We ended up all agreeing to disagree and acknowledging that we're all still going to heaven, even though we disagree on the subject (which is how every theological conversation on this Calvinistic vs. Armenian theology has ended up for our church). It was a typical Sunday, an apt farewell.

When I told him "Well Christian, I shall miss arguing with you" he replied (with his usual quick wit) "Hey, there's always e-mail debates". He always makes me laugh, then wonders what I'm laughing about. Though 5 years my junior, we got along nicely. I wonder what he shall grow into?

Monday is fast approaching...and the men will be here to move us on Friday! Everything is happening so very quickly!
In the midst of it all, I was reminded today of the hurting, broken city that we live in as we drove further into the areas with the most destruction from Katrina. So much despair, darkness and hopelessness looms for most. I can't imagine going through something of this magnitude without the grace and peace of our Savior.
With this I leave you:

"O Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is discord, harmony. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sorrow, joy. Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life."

Goodnight, dear readers!

~Robin <><