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Who would have thought that it would be possible to
have so many feelings at one time? I find myself alternately
feeling very excited and happy, sad and a little anxious.
And a powerful emotion that is present is gratitude.
The anxiety is probably very normal. There are many
details to attend to, and certainly there’s a lot
of work involved in any move. I see all that needs to
be packed, and I can feel a little bit of nervousness
in my stomach! What I’ve been doing is affirming
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me.” Invariably, I feel
calm again, trusting that all is well and in Divine
Order!
The sadness is noticeable when I realize that I won’t
see you all on a weekly basis anymore. I’ve known
many of you for a long time, and it’s tough to
think that I’ll have to wait for special events
to see you. (The all Unity Thanksgiving service is one
that I’ll plan to attend! I hope to see you all
there!) I simply notice the feeling and allow myself
to feel it – at least for a bit. It doesn’t
work very well to try to ignore or suppress those feelings.
They’ll just resurface later. It seems to me that
it is very normal to be feeling some sadness, and I
honor the relationships that we have by allowing myself
to be present with the feeling.
I am very excited about the new job and new home! It
seems like an adventure. I really like the people I’ve
met at my new church. And creativity seems to be flowing
already! I’ve been getting ideas for talks, for
classes, and for ways to get involved in Jefferson City.
I get to make the new house my home, furnishing and
arranging things to be supportive and comfortable. It
is so exciting!
And mostly I’m grateful. I’ve been very happy
here in St. Louis with my family, my church family and
my friends for these last few years. I’ve learned
a lot from Randy, and I’ve been supported so beautifully
through the health challenges I’ve experienced.
I’ve gotten to do a lot of weddings, and the energy
of those ceremonies is uplifting. I’ve enjoyed
opportunities to be with some of you – both in
happy times and trying times. And I’ve been able
to have wonderful friendships with you! I take great
memories with me!
I thank you. I thank you for your patience when I’ve
been learning. I thank you for all your caring support.
I thank you for your love. Know that you are much loved,
and that you will always be in my heart. You are my
church ‘home’. Love and blessings to all of
you!
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