Leaving and Coming

It was interesting to realize, as we drove from Virginia to Texas, the point at which I felt I was no longer leaving Virginia but coming to Texas. There was a difference. As long as I was leaving there was a sad and mournful part of me that needed acknowledgement. Every mile was accomplished only by looking back; if not actually then in memory.

I felt that once we mounted the truck and pulled out of the yard headed west we would be going home but I never thought leaving would be such an issue. But after 28 years it was more difficult than that. Sure it was a relief to have all the boxes packed and loaded; that was complete. Yes, it was satisfying to look back and think of all the wonderful friends we had made; they would not be forgotten. Certainly there was some pride in knowing that some of the things that I had tried to do were successful and touched people for Christ; those through God’s power would last. But there was a piece of our hearts that was being left. South Hill, Hopewell, Richmond and Brookneal would always own a part of us that we could not reclaim; part of us that was given and would not be taken back.

Those first hundred miles the first day was difficult. As we crossed the Virginia line there was a lump in my throat. I felt that once we found our place to stay and was back on the road “tomorrow” we would be “coming” home. Actually it was not a particular point that the transition took place. Admittedly the farther we progressed down the highway the easier it was to look forward but each morning did not totally “do the trick”.

It was not until we crossed the Sabine River coming into Texas from Louisiana that I was actually “coming home”. Old memories of long straight highways began to override more recent memories of tree-lined curvy ones. Wide opened skies started replacing more restricted views of the horizon. Everyone who has know me has witnessed the fact that there is just something internal about “being a Texan” and now I was home. The point at which I transitioned from leaving Virginia and “coming home” was literally seeing a sign that welcomed us back to Texas.

The truth is I will never really leave Virginia. I grew to love her and her people. She helped me grow up in many ways and I will always carry what I learned with me. I thank all of the people that we grew so close to, some over years, others over what seemed such a short time. I thank them for the support and encouragement they gave me. We love you and God has truly blessed.

But I am now so excited about the future ministry we will have here in Texas. She has changed over the 28 years since we left. We have a lot to learn and challenges to face. But God has given a very clear call and through His strength we will be used here to HIS GLORY!