They’ve commissioned me. They let me preach one last sermon (a recycled version of Ron Walborn’s “Man of Destiny” from Hebrews 11). They got to try on my 50 lb backpack. And tonight they had a cook-out/going away party for me. It was mostly youth and youth parents but that is fitting. I think I was a good Associate Pastor; a good “Staff” Minister. But it is no secret that my heart was always with my students. Tonight they honored me with their presence and with their presents. They gave me a “book of letters”- letters from current and past students and their parents. They put together a Band that feigned playing Ray Boltz’s “Thank You” (I don’t do cheese and they know it!) before segueing into “Life is a Highway” and The Allman Brothers classic “Ramblin’ Man”. It was hoot! There was enough food for 3 or 4 parties. We ate, we laughed, we cried a little bit. The air was chilly and the bonfire was wonderful. There was volleyball and football, foosball and air hockey. Students getting ready for a final week filled with exams and college students home for the Christmas break.
I will finish moving out of my home this week before closing the sale this Thursday. I have a lot of work to do. I also must finish cleaning out my office. I will try to go by the school and see the rest of my kids one last time one day this week before joining them next Friday night for our annual end-of-school/ Christmas Camping Trip. It will be nearly ice cold. We will have an even bigger bonfire. Smores. Hot Chocolate. Hayrides and Snipe Hunting. We’ll go mud-riding in the Jeep and the guys will play paintball. And then I will head North. I will come back about this time next year for a visit (Lord willing). I’m not the Student Minister anymore. I’m the World Racer.
