Time to go

We retired to Devon 11 years ago, and as I’ve mentioned previously, they have been full and satisfying years. But recently Hub and I have been noticing that we’re getting older.

I know. Hardly a shock, at our ages (mid-late 70s) but all the same, getting more aches and pains, and slowing down not only physically but mentally too. It is just plain annoying.

Anyway, this is not something anybody can fix. Mrs Fixit here is having to learn to stuff herself in the boot of the car, and let someone else do the driving.

We’ve been attending a little church on an estate at the other end of town, and we’ve been on its mission and ministry team for around 9 years. But last autumn we began to feel, for the first time, that our energy levels were not what they were: and energy is needed in such a challenging situation.

We took time to think and pray about it. We even took a sabbatical of a month away from all responsibilities, to discuss and ponder. And we came to the conclusion – slowly – that it was time for us to step down and leave.

We went through all sorts of stages with this: but God seemed to be saying, quite clearly, ‘quit rushing round. Let Me be your shepherd.’

Who, us, Lord? Aren’t we supposed to be the shepherds?

Even shepherds retire.

So today was our last Sunday there. We had specified a simple, normal service with NO speeches – after all, we are all only workers in God’s field, and there’s no need to make a big fuss when a couple of us are put out to grass …

So it was with a peaceful heart that we arrived for the service this morning. Our only request was that this prayer should be included:

God of our beginnings, and endings, we celebrate all we have shared with Geoff and Gill, and ask your blessing as they continue on their journey. May the love that is in our hearts be a bond that unites us forever, wherever we may be. May the power of your presence bless this moment of our leave-taking, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.

Amen!