Before my Shepherd and I moved to our new congregation, we were in one town for ten years. In that time, my children grew up. My understanding of life changed. And I made this journey with a group I grew to love deeply– the Church of __.
Today, the Church of _________ voted on a new pastor. I don’t yet know the outcome of the vote. I do know it brings mixed feelings to my heart. I want the Church to have a Shepherd who loves the sheep as much as I do. I want the Church to grow and thrive without the Shepherd and me. I want them to have a Shepherd tho brings the Word of God. I want them to have a Shepherd who will know them by name. I want them to flourish.
In all of my desires for them, I do have sadness in letting them go with another Shepherd. Though my Shepherd and I left months ago, it is hard to be replaced. It is hard to think of myself as being replaceable. In my loneliness I long for them. And it is intensified knowing they are replacing me.
I am missing there too.