From the time I became "an adult in the working world" - I have met wonderful people on the journey. I remember many of my patients - of course not ALL their names, but there were bunches that imprinted my heart. The physicians, nurses, therapists, ancillary staff, again, all had an impact on me. My professors in seminary, the friends I made along that path, all have helped to shape and form me, and continuing to do so as we journey along.
When I received my first appointment, it was (for me!) a long way from my home - not only in distance but in culture. I was back in the atmosphere of that small town of my youth when I had spent 37 years in the 4th largest city in the country! However, Beckville - the people of Beckville First UMC and the community very quickly became a comforting and familiar place. It was during my 8 years there that I lost 7 family members - both my parents, all my dad's siblings (2 brothers[uncles], 1 sister[aunt], one of my uncles' wives, and a great niece. Through the prayers of many in that community I was able to wade through the grief.
It was hard to leave there, but that is the life of a United Methodist pastor. I was nervous, frightened, anxious. After all, my parents had been my greatest support; and when things were rocky, when I was lonely, when I faced uncertainties, they were the ones who cheered me on, supported me, encouraged me. And although I have 2 WONDERFUL sisters and their families, it just isn't the same as Mom and Dad!
So the move came, and I landed in Trinity. Again, in short order the church and the community began to feel like "home" They were wonderful! They have taken this female pastor (first for Trinity First UMC) and welcomed me and looked out for me.
Now, it is really the place of the pastor to shepherd the congregation; and my prayers are that I have done that to the best of my ability, and done it through the grace and strength of my God. However, both Beckville and Trinity have also sheperded (is that a word??) me I cannot believe how blessed I have been to have two absolutely wonderful, caring, loving congregations; and that isn't to just me - but also to the communities in which they are a part of.
I am beginning to prepare for another move. This one is probably second only to the move to Beckville, (in which I felt I was, as Jesus talked about in Luke 10 - "Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.") However...NEITHER Congregation have been wolves! They have all been my friends, but that first 4-6 months was really hard!
This move has me leaving the ONLY Annual Conference I have ever known, since figuring out what an Annual Conference is! It has me leaving the state that has been my home for nearly 40 years. It has me leaving the comforts of "knowing" and heading into a really big "unknown"!
I take with me, though, all those whom I have "met" along the way. As the picture says, "It's not WHERE you go, it's who you meet along the way!" Just as Dorothy had to go through the poppy field, I am traveling along a path unknown, but... I DO know a few things:
ONE: I do not travel that road alone. First and foremost my God is with me. Secondly, I have the love, support and friendships of a whole BUNCH of people.
TWO: I know that where I am going isn't the "Land of OZ" - Oz is just a story - dream; and no matter where I am I will never be in Oz! My home will never be here on this earth. God has assured me of that! My eternal home will be worshiping God. But at the same time, I know where I am going I will find the same loving, kind, supporting people that I have found in Beckville and Trinity.
THREE: Finally, this journey isn't just for me. It is for the growing of God's Kingdom. I am just one small cog in the whole plan. If I follow the Lord, that path will be a whole lot easier than if I go it alone. God has placed in my path folk that will help me, and that I will help.
I am looking forward to new adventures, yet the journey that has brought me here, will NEVER be forgotten. I don't believe we were given memories to just be able to store useless knowledge. I believe we were given memories to remind us that even though the path may not seem to be where we thought it would... or should take us, or how we thought it would end up... the journey is about the end destination - Life eternal! And.. through our travels, those people you meet along the way are wonderful gifts!
