Change.

I'm not afraid of change. I have 32 cents in my pocket and I'm not even worried. (Yes, I've used that one before but it was just too perfect.) I've come to realize though in all seriousness that as much as I sometimes struggle with change, I'm not afraid of it.  Change is a necessary part of life, and the question is not whether it will happen but how you deal with it.  However, I fully admit that some changes are bigger than others and I guess if that wasn't the case I wouldn't be writing this blog entry right now.

On Sunday April 25th I wrote my letter of resignation to Youth for Christ.  Here is a small part of it...
"Youth for Christ as an organization has been a part of my life since 1988 when I first attend Cedarwood as a camper. It was at a Cedarwood retreat through the direct ministry of Myron Koop that I asked Jesus into my life in the spring of 1992, and I was privileged to begin volunteering my time at the Fire Escape Drop In Centre under the mentorship of Larry Campbell in the fall of 1992, continuing in that role as a weekly volunteer until 1998. It was in 1996 that I began my time as YFC staff as a summer camp counselor with Cedarwood, leading into a full time role doing camper follow up beginning in September 1998."

Last night surrounded by friends young and old, encouraged by many hugs and smiles, I gave my final Cedarwood talk at my final Cedarwood event on my final day on Cedarwood staff.  How perfect is that for timing eh? The tears I was expecting didn't actually come (they came close though), mainly because the peace I felt as I was giving this "farewell" talk was overwhelming. The time was right, and I knew it from the bottom of my heart. The kind words, the cake smeared on my face, the conversations with old friends; all of it was nothing short of wonderful, and it answered my prayer of being able to leave well from a place I love dearly.

Today is a new day and a new adventure awaits. As of next week I am a full time Associate Pastor with new responsibilities that fill me with a reverent fear.  One of those responsibilities is the mandate to create a structure that will facilitate the continued building of loving Christ honouring community at NKMB Church. My final evening as Cedarwood staff reminded me that Christian community is a tiny glimpse of heaven, and if last night was only a glimpse, then I am in utter awe of the glory that awaits someday.