Season~Reason~Lifetime

 A Season, A Reason,  Or A Lifetime

 "People come into your life for a season, reason, or a lifetime."

People have come and gone through my life for many different reasons and seasons and yet many are with me for my lifetime.Yesterday was an end to one of those relationships in a way....our pastor has been reassigned and yesterday was his last day here.

I remember the first time I met Pastor Jeff and his wife. It was the night of Mike's accident and they had come to our house. He was my aunt's pastor and I thought it was the kindest gesture for them to come over and pray and visit with all of us. I had a pastor and we attended a different church. But, his calling on me didn't stop after that night. I went to Sunday night service with my aunt for about a year all while continuing to attend our own church. Pastor Jeff was faithful in guiding and directing me along the way of grief. He was always there for me and my girls, every step of the way. He led me to verses and thoughts I needed in those darkest hours of grieving. He helped me realize how God could heal and restore me from the heartache and all the while supporting me and helping me grow in my faith. I was so glad to join his congregation this past year.

The day he announced he would be leaving in June was nearly 5 months ago and I thought it sounded so far away. I was in great denial....the day came and it was yesterday. As I was getting ready for church yesterday morning, I felt like I was getting ready for a funeral. I was so sad, anticipating the sermon and the sadness I would feel. The service was great and the sermon was fantastic! I had a couple of spells of sadness and tears, but I expected that. I am confident our new pastor will be awesome, I have met him and he is sent through prayer to us, so why should I have any concerns. It's not about "new beginnings", it's about this season of my life is over. Once again, God has moved me in this direction of change and I am learning more and more everyday change is "ok". For those of you reading this and know me, I NEVER have liked change, so you understand how huge this is for me. I have had to learn to "roll" and accept change the past two years and it's not so bad after all.

I had a chance to talk with pastor and his wife after church and the last words he spoke to me were, "Follow your heart."...I felt like these were words from Jesus himself. Since God has led me to a wonderful Holy man recently (see previous blog post), pastor had not left my side in this new JOurneY.

I will be forever grateful to God for placing Pastor Jeff in my life when he did and for all he has done for me. I know God has great plans for him and his new flock. I also know he's a friend for a lifetime and not just a season or for a reason.