Left Behind

The media reported about it.  People in Time Square were waiting for it.  And our group of friends used May 21, 2011 as a time to laugh.  As you might imagine, talk about the rapture was quite the buzz around the seminary.  When 6:00 PM came and went uneventfully we all wondered... who filed the extension?  Or maybe.....we were the ones left behind.  Were there any professors around?  Even the next morning we laughed as we heard of people laying empty clothes and shoes around the city.  

Even with the rapture not occurring, our family is feels like we are being "left behind".  What I mean is that several of our friends graduated and are now going to their new parishes.  Some people disappear without a word.  With others, there is the awkwardness of saying good bye because you aren't real sure when your paths will cross again.  And still with others, you grasp onto every last second together that you can.  Then... the moving vans pull up.  Together we work hard to pack moving trucks only to send them away with a river of tears.  As each goodbye is said, my selfish heart gets heavier and heavier.  Yes....I am so excited for each of them as they go out into the world to begin their ministry.  I hope and pray for the only best for each of them.  I look forward to hearing about life off of The Close. Yet, I grieve the loss of their presence in our tight little community. 

As I grieve, I cherish of all the memories that were created in such a short time.  Life long friendships were made.  These beautiful people, each one in their own way, imprinted our family in ways that can never be replaced.  What ever we found ourselves needing, someone was there to support us or to listen to us or to laugh with us or to just be present with us.  I am forever grateful for these memories with what became our chosen family.

And as some go out to fulfill their calling, I know we are not being left behind.  There are many more blessing to be shared next year.  Yes, our community has changed.  But we were the catapult of change when we arrived 2 short years ago.  Come this fall, our community will take on new face.  Moving vans containing new students and families will arrive continuing the age old cycle of the seminary.  Before we know it, we will be the ones leaving in that moving truck.  Maybe....just maybe, leaving The Close will be harder than sending those we love away.....