A New Beginning

Some of my siblings call me "Vulcan"* because I don't express my emotions a lot, but recently, it's been hard for me. Why has it been so hard?
* A Vulcan is a humanoid alien from Star Trek, and they are known for suppressing their emotions. Yes, I'm somewhat a Trekkie.

A few weeks ago, the senior pastor at my church announced after the service that our associate pastor / youth leader and his family are leaving and moving away. This past Sunday was their last service together here, so we had a big goodbye fellowship after the evening service. They were only here for two and half years, but it felt like so much longer than that.

As a surprise, a few of us put our heads together and made a surprise gift for them: a photo book of the youth group and most of the members that have been in the group since he was here. Then, at the fellowship, we gave it to them, along with a Hallmark card. Most of us signed both items, and they really loved it all.

Last night was the youth group's first night with a new (temporary) youth leader. His short message was on Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. It encouraged me so much, and I look forward to what God will do through this situation.