Someone described parenting to me as “long days, but short years;” an excellent reminder of time’s ability to move at different speeds simultaneously, as well as life’s sense that things will always be as they are until something reminds us that nothing remains the same forever.
So I find myself now, saying farewell to people I absolutely love and whose lives somehow opened a generous space for Jack and me to be part of for a decade. I consider myself especially blessed that our leaving – although sad – has been filled with very happy opportunities to reflect on how rich this time has been. What an incredible gift for a priest to be able to serve the Lord in such a healthy congregation; and the chance to “leave the party while you’re still having fun!”
Grace Church has been abundantly blessed by God, in terms of a richly diverse membership, generous in time, talent, and treasure. I know that, over the course of almost two hundred years, this body of Christian disciples has seen its share of opportunities to begin again, with renewed hearts and minds. But, all that hard heart work continues to bear spiritual fruit.
God willing, Jack and I will be here to celebrate the bi-centennial with you in three years. Until then, please know that we will hold you each in our prayers, trusting that the good news of what God is doing at Grace Church Gainesville will reach western North Carolina, and I will smile with the same pride I smile with now when I hear how other parishes in this diocese envy Grace.
May God bless and keep us all in the palm of his hand, now and forever.
Cynthia+