Last night I wandered through the winterscape of my backyard. Several deer were finding their beds. When the ground is snow covered the evening visitors are clearly visible. At least six deer make our property their resting place. The loss of some of our plantings is really a small price to pay for the scene upon which I gaze every time I look out my window....The small herd settles so peacefully...they awaken when they see my candle in the window... they watch me watching them watching me...and we cohabit the moment. In the peace of such moments the stirrings of deepest feelings often emerge.
While I wandered I noticed the onset of emotions regarding my "Farewell Sunday". I will say "see you later" today to so many people...and to the hallways, the sanctuary and the gathering space at CRLC. I realize that it is going to feel awkward, at first, to practice the discipline of "Absence".
For over 16 years that "place" has been a major component of most of my days.... other than my vacation or retreat times, that place at 9201 Brecksville Road has been on my radar screen and on my itinerary nearly every day. Part of the practice of sabbatical, especially when it is not a "travelling" sabbatical, is to refrain from being on site. I can only say that it will feel strange to be around Brecksville without checking in at the church...(my home is less than 3 miles from it).
The practice of absence from the typical pattern of my day will be a poverty in many ways...for it has been very, very rare that being at CRLC has been anything other than pure joy for me. It is a place and a community where I have seen Christ in so many ways. It is an environment where I have experienced care...nurture...and guidance. It is also a place where I have been challenged to grow...where my sense of call has been clarified...and where I have learned more about God, myself and others than I ever could have imagined on my own.
I am deeply, deeply grateful for the place...and the people...the "church" that is located at 9201 Brecksville Road.
Farewell....see you in March!
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