The tide recedes, but leaves behind
bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, yet echoes on
in sweet, soulful refrains.
For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains."

                                               Author: Unknown

I sit at my keyboard and picture you, in my mind’s eye.  I run my eyes along the pews and see each one of you, sitting there.  I smile.

I see you lined up at the pot-luck serving table, plates in hand, smiles and greetings passing as easily as the salt and pepper, each assured of good company and affection as well as of abundant and sustaining food.

I see you gathered in animated conversation about important matters, lured by promises of wine and cheese and chocolate.

I see your words and faces grow concerned when you notice someone has been absent for awhile, or when you hear of an illness, a death or challenge in another’s family. And I see you organize - notes, meals, rides, whatever is needed.  I see your love for one another. I see you struggling to make wise decisions that the church might move forward - creating sound fiscal policies, clearer organizational structures, and a presence in the community that is about Hopedale Unitarian Parish’s life and vitality in the present.

In short, as I prepare this last of my Good Shepherd columns to you, I realize how much I have come to love and appreciate you, and that makes my heart glad. Surely the good-bye is bitter sweet.  We part because our work is done, and it is time for you and me to each move on. Yet, we are changed by what we’ve shared and who we’ve been together.

“For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains."

And so it is that while we say our good-byes and prepare for our last weeks together,  we can be assured that what we have done and known together is not lost, but has become our treasure. The disappointments fade, the lessons stay and what is beautiful remains.  We have been blessed with this time together.  May we gather up what treasures we have gleaned, deeply grateful and strengthened to move out boldly into the future that calls.

Blessings,