As a preacher, leaving a work is never easy. Whenever the decision is made, you try your best to wrap things up in a way that feels like you’re “finishing” and “completing” your time with that congregation. You never want to leave a lingering feeling of “what might’ve been” or “if only this, then that…” You don’t want to leave with regrets. You don’t want to leave with an unfulfilled feeling of dissatisfaction.
I am leaving with regrets.
You all know how much I love to hold the babies and throw the little kids in the air after I teach on Wednesday nights. A year and a half ago I made the comment “I want to be here throwing THEIR babies and little kids in the air, 20 years from now.” I meant it then, but things change, and that’s the most unchanging part of life. Yesterday was a difficult one, having to face you all and tell you I was leaving. Hugging and crying with you soon after, and throughout the day, only made it more difficult. Leaving is still the right thing to do, but that doesn’t make leaving you wonderful people hurt any less.
After the dust settles on 2025, and we have separated, I will begin a new work. I will be excited about that new work in January. In December, I will give myself time to be sad that I’m leaving all of you. But when that dust settles, and I am 1.5 hours away, I will begin uttering earnest prayers for you all, and I will mention you to my Father with gladness in my heart, for all of the wonderful relationships He has allowed me to enjoy with you.
I look forward to preaching three more sermons and teaching two more classes before my time here is done.
God bless you all.
~Matthew