My dad did decide to take the call to Joplin. The congregation he is with now is going to throw my parents a farewell party/roast. I think that'd be fun to go to but it's not that feasible for me. My mom is officially unemployed, as of Saturday. The hardest things are always the goodbyes, that's for sure, and my mom has never been fond of those.
For those of you who come from pastors' families, you know the pain and heartache that this causes, on both sides of the aisle. My dad is for sure going through that now, and I'd ask for prayers that he have the strength to withstand the flood of emotion and heartache on the part of his congregation. But on some level one has to look and think that if there is that much heartache over him leaving, then he must have meant a lot to them. While this is small consolation, I hope that it is enough for now.
My dad gets installed on Father's Day and I think all of us kids are going to be there. The service is at 2 and so we'll see if the grandson makes it or stays in the parsonage and takes a nap. I know it will mean a lot to my dad to have us all there. We haven't all been together in over a year and this is something special.
Dad, I know you read my blog and I just wanted you to know that I am so proud of all that you've been able to accomplish in your life and glad that I've been old enough to appreciate what you've done. I know that the path hasn't been easy and that you are leaving friends behind but you are going where God leads, even if you don't completely understand why. You are a good person and you have been a great leader to the people of Las Vegas. They have been lucky to have you, and they know that. The people of Joplin are just as lucky, if not more so, because they have yet to see how truly inspiring you can be.
I know that you have a lot of heartache and you are wondering if you are doing the right thing in leaving. Not long after Timmy was born, and we were having a rough time adjusting to being parents, I said I felt like I was being a bad mom because I didn't know what he wanted or needed. You and mom both told me that meant that I was being a good mom because I knew enough to try and to ask for support and help when I needed it. I think the same can be said for you right now. You have heartache because you care, not because you care too little. Everyone who has had you for a pastor is blessed to have had you in his/her life.
I hope that you know we love you and support what you are doing. You are doing what you believe is right and I couldn't be prouder of you. I hope you know that. I look forward to seeing your installed in just a few weeks. I hope your final move preparations go well and that you have a safe and uneventful move. I'm always here for you, always. I love you both very much and hope for good things to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment