Life is full of surprises and near-constant changes. Many of us dread change; we resist it to the best of our ability. I’m no different. I like to feel like I am in control of my life (though of course I realize that I am not!) I’m obsessive about maintaining my calendar and task list. Even so, changes are inevitable.
Take, for example, my day this Tuesday. I began with an early appointment in the office; a pleasant conversation with a man with whom I have recently been cultivating a relationship. Just before sitting down with him, I played a message that had been recorded on the answering machine the afternoon before. That message was an urgent request from a man in our congregation in the hospital to be visited by his pastor. Suddenly, my plan for my day was scrapped, and a new plan began to take shape.
Next week, I will be climbing into the cab of a U-Haul truck and point it southward, leaving Houlton, Maine behind in the rear view mirror and driving to New York. I’ve lived here for a little more than three years (four northern Maine winters, for goodness’ sake!) and that was in itself a great change in my life. These years have been good years. I’ve made many (yes, many!) good friendships. If you know me at all, you may have a good idea how unusual that is for me. Still, it’s true. It is not easy for me to say goodbye to the people I’ve met here.
I’m moving back to New York largely because I’ve been reminded of one of my core values: a commitment to family. Since I’ve lived in Houlton, the number of my grandsons has doubled: from two to four! I’ve gained a daughter-in-law, as well. There have been other dramatic changes in my family in this span of time, including the tragic loss of a nephew.
I’m returning home next week. I’m looking forward to seeing my family far more frequently than the 2-3 times a year I’ve been back over the last 38 months. I’m also returning home to…uncertainty. I’m leaving behind a secure ministry here in Houlton, and will be “unemployed” as of March 1. I do not yet know what God has in store for me there. I’ve been saying to anyone who will listen, “I’ve got both feet firmly planted in mid-air.” We are trusting God for the “next.” There are a few ideas, and some hopes in the mix.
Until something else comes along, I’m going to try to do some more writing. I’m saying that now because you may notice that this blog, which has been extremely inactive in recent years, may start to get busy again. If you read something I’ve written and like it, please post a comment. If you don’t like it, you can post that, too. At least it will demonstrate that you read it and thought about it, and that will be an encouragement.
There will be more to come, I hope. If you’re inclined to pray, and are even more inclined to pray for me, I’ll be very grateful.
Sincerely,
The Scrawling Shepherd
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