The Next Chapter

If you're a reader, you know the feeling you get when you finish a chapter of a book -- sometimes you don't want it to end, other times you are ready to start the next chapter because of the way you are propelled into it. But nearly all the time you see each chapter as necessary and having its own unique purpose to the whole story. Some chapters have great joy while others have a stomach-turning story line that no one could ever imagine. And the pay off is always how the characters persevere -- grateful, humble, weary, resolute, bolstered by family, friends and faith, stronger for the journey.


On November 19, I finished one chapter of my life and began another. If I could describe how I, the character of the story, persevered, it would be all the adjectives above. Leaving a job and a faith family is hard -- a grieving process, really. And I am leaving two families -- a staff ensemble that has weathered all seasons of storms and sunshine, plus a family of God where I have found friends, confidants, colleagues, mentors, and much more.


It will take a long while to properly process the time I spent with this dear work and faith family. There are untold scenarios that I need to "let go" because they will likely never be completely resolved. I am reminded of the verse in Romans 12:17-18, which says, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. " Part of this verse in The Message translation says, "Discover the beauty in everyone." That's what I want to do.


I know that it may not ever be completely possible to bring resolution to all that has happened, but this verse gives me hope by saying "if it is possible" and "as far as it depends on me" I can be compelled to live at peace. I can discover the beauty in everyone. I can be careful to do what is right. And I can resolve to not repay anyone evil for evil.


I can only be responsible for me. And I want to walk humbly, yet joyfully, as a child of God, looking for beauty, and growing stronger every day. In many ways, I'll be "shaking the dust off my sandals" and moving on. But mostly I am leaving the dearest and closest of friends with whom I have made memories that will last a lifetime -- and longer when we all get to heaven!


My next chapter? All of my 59 years to this point -- just like preparation for each of life's chapters -- have prepared me for "such a time as this." I am going to use each experience to mold and form what I do next. I once led a group where we looked at our heart's desires, our abilities, our network of experiences in life, the discovery of strengths that make us unique, and our spiritual gifts from God that equip us for service. All these come together to make us who we are and how we are to make a difference for Christ in this world. I have some work to do, because I want this to be how I go forward.


Prayer: Loving God, give me grace for each moment, a heart of forgiveness and love, a desire to impact others through inspiration and encouragement, a yearning to make others feel wanted, needed and loved, and an unshakable joyful faith in You -- all pressed down, shaken together and running over...