Intermission

We are in the midst of a season of endings. Emily and I have both completed our last semester of teaching. One recent Sunday was likely our last chance to worship with our home congregation before we leave, and we were able to share a moment of tremendous blessing as we said goodbye with a small reception in the lobby. We have steadily been filling boxes with items to be sent to Japan, and with each one there is another bit of confirmation that our time in Memphis is coming to an end. I have closed another big chapter in completing my Master of Arts in Christian Ministry at Harding School of Theology. Seemingly at every turn we are closing another door.

Yet, it’s not really an ending – it is more like an intermission. I’m not old enough to remember when a trip to see a movie in the theater routinely featured a break in the middle of the show, but I have attended several broadway-style musicals which featured an intermission. The intermission can feel a little bit odd. The house lights come up and a number of people head for the lobby to grab a beverage, use the restroom, or make a phone call. In many ways, my senses tell me that the show seems to be over. Yet, my brain knows that there is still much more show to come.

Emily and I are experiencing that in-between moment now. Our visa applications are still in process. The calendar still has some days before we head to Searcy for the summer. In some ways it all still feels like Japan is still out there on the horizon. But in other ways, it is starting to feel like it’s all about to happen tomorrow. We hold fast to our faith as the constant thread woven through it all.

Before we know it, this season of endings will have an ending of its own. All too soon, the house lights will dim again and everyone will take their seats as the intermission fades away. A season of beginnings will commence. We look forward to the journey that God has called us to make, and we treasure your partnership in prayer as you journey along with us.

~ Clay