ABSTRACT
This is hard! I have so many conflicting feelings and thoughts at this moment that I’m finding it difficult to sort them out! I love, yes love, our pastor. No, not in the inappropriate way that we read about all too often these days in the papers, but as my spiritual leader and deep personal friend. He was the first clergyperson who I both admired and felt genuinely cared for me. I have learned so much from him by attending his classes, hearing his sermons, and experiencing the example he has offered us by the way he lives his life. Now he will be leaving! Damn; I will miss him! But I feel guilty and selfish thinking this way. He has worked so hard for so long that I truly believe he deserves a break-time to enjoy life with his family and friends without the constant sense of responsibility for so many others. I know this is right, but I hate the feeling of impending loss. Rationally, I know our congregational leaders will carefully search for his successor, but I am afraid that I won’t be able to accept the change. After all, it just won’t be the same!
