Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Endings & Beginnnings

Linda and I hear this statement quite often these days, “Oh, this is your last _______.” The blank is filled with various “last events” such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Teacher Appreciation Picnic, and most recently, Church Family Retreat. People around Brentwood Oaks Church joke and call us “short timers.” Our church bulletin reminds us each week how many days are left until we depart Austin for Namwianga Mission, our new home and our new ministry. This week's issue posts 50 days from Sunday (May 1).

Some months ago I read a statement by John Piper, Minnesota preacher and author. He observed, “Endings are for gratitude, beginnings are for faith.” I like to think about his statement more than “Oh, this is your last . . .” God has brought all of us to this “ending” and there are so many things for which we are thankful. He also takes us all by the hands leading us into the future and a new beginning. Beginnings with God always require of us faith and courage.

What a journey it has been, what a journey it will be. God behind us and God before us. Join with us in remembering, “Endings are for gratitude, beginnings are for faith.”
David

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bow your neck, nobody's hurt.

Anonymous said...

yeah, but who do you call when you have car trouble?

Anonymous said...

I STILL owe you that dr. pepper from college