I Am Grateful
This will probably be my last opportunity to post until after we get settled in Salem. I wanted to get these things said before we depart Sterling.
On July 29, we’re moving away from Sterling. It’s a day that for several years I’ve known would come. I didn’t know when. I didn’t know what circumstances would move us away. I didn’t think about it constantly, but it was a premonition, which lurked quietly in the back of my mind. And now it is upon us. I moved here thirteen years ago from Mississippi. My wife, Radene, has lived here all of her life. Both of our daughters, Phoebe and Ayva, were Colorado born. It goes without saying that we have some deep roots here and leaving is not easy for us.
I wanted to express my gratefulness to God and to this community for providing such a wonderful place to find friends, to raise children and to use my talents and gifts for the good of the community. It would be easy for me to sit here at my keyboard and list off everything I dislike about Sterling. However, the fact is that I would have a list of dislikes no matter where I live. No doubt, in a short time I will have begun a list of dislikes about the place to which we are moving. It’s not because I’m a negative person, but because it is human nature to notice imperfection, even obsess over imperfection.
No, rather I would like to extol the virtues of Sterling. Sterling has been good to me. Of course I understand that any goodness I speak of comes from the hand of Jesus Christ. He has used Sterling to bless me immeasurably. When I moved here as a college missionary at Emmanuel Baptist Church, I was received very warmly. Little did I know that here in Sterling, God had prepared for me a beautiful, wonderful wife. My closest friends in life live here in Sterling. Prior to moving here, I never had such close friends as the ones I found in Sterling. I’ve got family here in Sterling that loves me deeply and has taught me much about love and relationships. I’ve been fortunate to work at places in Sterling where I’ve been allowed to explore and increase my skills. I’ve received so much by being a part of the community of Sterling. I’m just glad that I’ve been able to give a little back in the time that I’ve been here.
I know that not everyone shares my enthusiasm about Sterling. To those who feel discouraged about living here, I say don’t give up. I came to this town as a complete stranger. Gaining acceptance as an outsider takes time. Forming relationships with people who know nothing about you can be challenging. Trying to gain the trust of people who have no idea who you are doesn’t happen overnight. But it can be done. Sterling’s community has proven to me time and again that anyone who comes here has a decent chance at making a good life. As a husband and a parent, few things are more important that living in a place that is safe for your family. Sterling has been that place. Despite the imperfections, Sterling is a good place to live and work and raise a family. Sterling (and Emmanuel Baptist Church particularly) you have my gratitude for receiving this southern kid from Mississippi and becoming my home for the last thirteen years.
1 comment
Love you more than i can say…i know you will take good care of my girls!!