My Hands Hurt

Sometimes saying goodbye hurts my hands.

I tend to grip those I love so tightly that, when they leave, God has to tear them from my bony fingers.  You think I would have learned my lesson. 

Well, it's happening once again.  Freedom River's Associate Pastor Jamie Havlicsek, his wife Cara Shey and their brand-new baby girl Emerson are moving on.  

The Lord has used them to do some great things at our goofy little church.  Their role in the growth and maturity of our Youth is hard to describe.  God has also blessed Jamie with some amazing talents, especially in graphic arts and music.  With her beautiful voice, Cara Shey has been a huge part of our Worship Team.  There will be a huge hole at FRCC when they leave.

But most of all, we'll miss them because they are our friends.

Goodbyes are never easy.  Luke writes in Acts 20:36-38 about Paul's tearful farewell to the Ephesian elders.  

They knelt.  

They prayed.  

They cried.  

They hugged.  

They hurt.  

Commentators say it was "considerable weeping" and that they "threw themselves on Paul's neck."  Apparently, saying goodbye hurt their hands too.

As followers of Christ, it's OK to hurt when someone you love moves on.  We just have to lean on Jesus all the more at times like these.

Still, sometimes saying goodbye hurts my hands. 

The Big 5-0

"50".  

It's an interesting number.  Half a hundred.  It's the number of... 

-states in the Union.  

-ways to leave your lover.

-first dates in Barrymore/Sandler movie.

-cents in a rapper's name.

-Cardinal pitcher Adam Wainwright's jersey.

As of Saturday May 3rd, it's now my age.

Do I feel any different?  Nope, not really.  Actually feel better now than I have in years.

Recently, my grandmother celebrated her 94th birthday.  Her sister is two years older.  So rather than worry about heading to the twilight years, I probably ought to see my life as only half over.

Hey, Moses didn't really get started until he was 80!