A little over a week ago I said goodbye to my home church for the next year.
When I left for college four years ago, I sneakily put a few letters on the counter for my family to return home to (keep in mind college was pretty close by). However, this was the first “major” decision in my life, and even though I didn’t go very far, it still left an impact. These letters were far to mushy and created way too many tears (though I honestly wasn’t that mad about it — I think the tears made me know I was very loved).
This time around I decided that goodbyes were hard enough, and sappy words would be too much for our hearts to handle. Plus, it’s not like I’m dying…just taking a leave of absence 😉
So, with all that said, I decided to write a letter to the place that has seen it all. My home church.
A Letter to My Home Church:
(You know who you are)
Such a strange feeling to have walked out of your doors for the last time for an entire year. It made all of this feel so much more real. I’ve finally begun to feel the weight of what I’m actually about to do.
You are where I have spent so much of my life. I feel like I was practically born in your arms. Through every stage of life, you’ve been there. You’ve been there to point me back to Jesus, challenge my faith, raise me up when I’ve felt weak and shown me what it looks like to truly pursue the Lord. You held my hands as I took my first steps, saw me in my most awkward stages and embraced me as I figured out my purpose in life. I’ve shed so many tears within your walls, shared innumerable laughs with fellow believers and ran to the altar faster than my mind could process where my feet were taking me.
You encouraged me to go on my first mission trip as a shy 11-year old and support me as I venture on with this new one. You never rejected me even if I walked through the doors broken, happy, angry, prideful, selfish, isolated or even unsure. Jesus used you to protect me time and time again.
I’ll admit it. Sometimes I took you for granted. But, I leave you with such a deep appreciation for everything you’ve taught me and helped me through whether I’ve been able to recognize it or not. I know great things are on the horizon for you, and I can’t wait to come home to you soon.
All my love,
Bailee
