Our lead teacher at church announced today that his time with our fellowship is over. He and his wife are "going somewhere else." They didn't say where. Out of state? To another church? I'm not privy to those details.
I'm fighting really hard not to entertain the way I'm feeling about it because my head knows it's all of my flesh...well, maybe. I'm very sad, a little mad and even feeling a bit rejected and abandoned.
Teaching like his *sniffle* *grimace* is really hard to come by. And I just recently spent a little time talking with his wife and really liked her! I meant to call her this week and ask them to dinner. I guess I didn't do it fast enough. Maybe it's for the best -- I don't want to become attached to a family that doesn't plan to be there anymore. As a family, we don't need to practice lonliness -- we've always practiced it.
Ya know *sarcastic whine* we just want to find a fellowship of committed Christians where our worship of God is pure, the Word is taught, our Walk is challenged, our love for Him and others increases and...dare I ask? we make a few friends so we don't always feel like an island unto ourselves. We have enjoyed all these things, but never all in one place. I guess that would constitute a perfect church on this side of heaven. Impossible.
I do trust when all the hurt and sense of limbo is cut away, the Lord will be faithful to keep us (or place us) where He would have us. After all, it really is all about Him -- not me.
Epilogue:
Husband went to the URGENT meeting of the men from our church tonight -- yes, Father's Day, wasn't that considerate?
It must be important. Surely there must be some reason that this announcement had to be made this week. Not last week. Not with a 'heads-up' during the week. Not next week. This week. Today. Father's Day. Surely there is some very good reason of timing that necessitated my feeling all hollowed out after a couple of good cries this morning. Did I mention that it's Father's Day?
Husband comes home to report that NO, there actually isn't. It just struck Teacher this week to do it today. Boom! Bam! Bye!
I'm feeling a little duped. A little irritated. A little less than loved as a member of the body. Well...at least I'm not sad anymore.
12 comments:
That is really sad if you ask me. I have a lot of thoughts that have come to mind quickly - but my first thought is, "Oh that's so sad."
Hmmm...looks like home churching might not be the answer to church problems after all, huh??
Can't respond yet, Sarah...I'm still sorting through it.
I feel like a sheep in the fold whose shepherd came by with breakfast this morning and said, "Oh by the way. I'm not coming back. There are several pretty strong sheep in this fold, and one of them will take care of feeding you tomorrow, I guess. Bye."
Huh?! "Baaaaaaaaaa!"
When all the people started leaving our church, it felt like they were divorcing us. Someone said something to me to help me to see it a little differently. They said "they are family and if they move on, they are still family if we treat them that way-just like if our own real family moves away. We keep in touch with them and wish them blessings on their journey."
It kinda helped me to see it in a better light.
GB, It is VERY hard on both sides. For the one leaving, and the ones staying behind. At least in this situation. Change like this is never easy, but God didn't say it would be. But I also see it as a "new chapter" for the church as well. The "unknown" on both sides is scary in a sense, but also there is great anticipation as to what God will do. He will show HIMself strong. God has, and will continue to guide and direct His people. There are some things that can't be explained or understood, but I know that when it is the Lord working, despite our feelings about it, HE WILL BE FAITHFUL!
Also, I wanted to mention, that I wouldn't let what has occurred keep you from spending time with them, or inviting them into your home. They are still very much apart of this community and have a love and heart for God's people. In time, maybe the Lord will have you be able to still do that.
I am praying for you, and others who are dealing with the emotions, sadness, questions etc..........just remember, GOD IS FAITHFUL, and He is sovereign even beyond what we can fathom. Keep your eyes on the CROSS!
God bless your day!
oh, sorry for the long post. If I had your email address, I guess I could have just sent it that way.
Post a Comment