Something is happening

What I mean, of course, is that something is always happening, but here in my little world a hell of a lot of things are happening all at once. Where shall I start?

My granddaughter who has lived with me for over two years is leaving at the end of the month to go to University, and to rejoin her Dad and sisters. I will miss her.

Good and dear friends are moving back to Canada in two weeks. I will miss them.

My lovely agent of nearly 20 years is retiring this month. I’m gonna miss him.

I’ve sold my house but with no completion date, so I’m in that weird limbo, when it’s too early to find the next step. The only thing I know for sure is that I’m going to miss the beach, friends, neighbours.

The producer I’m working with is going on maternity leave. I’m certainly gonna miss the work!

Those are the people and things I will walk away from with some sadness. There are other changes too, not sad but still quite major ;

The deepest stability in my old life, church and worship, has changed beyond all recognition. My thinking about ministry and discipleship has been shaken up and rejigged and is still settling.

Tomorrow it will be 30 years since my husband died. Thirty years of alone-ness. Maybe that’s adding to my sense of solitude and introspection.

Everything is going, or ending. Which means that newness is beginning.

The upshot of all that is that I’m signing off for a little while, to catch my breath, re-centre, get life back into some sort of focus.

See you on the other side of this whatever-it-is.

Until then, let’s think about the words of God from Joshua 1:9, words which always put a tiger in my tank when I’m running on empty:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I particularly like the Message version of that verse:

Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”

I sent this verse to a friend this week, and it’s come back to me now, God speaking to me and to you, his assurance and promise (you knew I couldn’t leave you without a nod to Isaiah)

Even to your old age and grey hairs
    I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
    I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isaiah 46:4