by Rob Caudillo
As I near another birthday (hint, hint, hint - plus Pro Golf stores are having a sale) and reflect on the time of my life, I find it to be one of "letting go". There's the letting go of some unwanted pounds. There's the letting go of some comfortable and familiar lifestyle habits for more healthy ones. There's the letting go of ministry leadership and responsibility (Synod). A major "letting go" involves my role, responsibilities and identity as parent. With Adam moving over to Bremerton and Chris' engagement to Grace, there is a letting go of what each needed of me as dad and a need to let go of some of my past dad role with them. What I had been doing as dad and my responsibilities as dad in their lives have changed. So I'm having to let go of my boys and let go of some of my dad stuff. There is a change in our relationship as Chris and Adam continue to mature and grow. Our relationship with one another continues to mature and grow. Lynell and I are discovering the "empty !
nest" d
ynamics - the house is a lot more quiet, schedules and routines less hectic, life is a little slower and "parenting" happens long distance (via phone or email) and not 24/7. It's a season in my life of letting go. I know as I had the gracious privilege to walk with several of you as your pastor, that you too are facing a season of "letting go". There's the letting go due to changes in health, employment changes, family
Letting go is tough! Is it a good thing? |
situations, and all the world, national, and cultural stuff happening and causing lots of changes.
The scriptures speak or call for a "letting go". We hear the call and need to let go of the old self, let go of the former life without Christ, and to let go of all that prevents a person from following Jesus Christ. We hear in scripture words like "get rid of", "put off" and "cut out". These all provide us with a new life in Christ Jesus and a new relationship with our heavenly Father. And we know this is true both as it applies to our Christian lives and our personal lives. You and I have also found that this experience of "letting go" in our lives is challenging, some times very difficult and stressful. Two scriptures that have been of help for me are Peter's words, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7); and these words by Jesus, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for!
I am g
entle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul." (Matthew 11:28-29). This letting go that comes with life - one's life in this world and life in Christ - is a good thing to have happen. It's a good thing to hear of God's care, love, grace and strength for us, because "letting go" is tough!
Peace,
Pastor Rob