"Go Ye"

I am experiencing a sense of gentle melancholy. I’m not really sure where it comes from, unless it’s the fact that our group of college-age young people will soon no longer be what it once was - which sounds a little clichéd perhaps, but is true nonetheless. Nearly half of us will soon be gone, dispersed into the world to ‘begin again’ - in a sense - putting into practice the lessons and experiences we’ve been storing up from our time here. Landon and Oliver have been gone, attending Bible College in a next-door state, though Landon is back visiting for the summer. For the others, Austin, Camille, Lindy, and Russell will be moving to a four-year college an hour away – Austin and Camille returning there for their last year, Lindy and Russell for their first. They may or may not be able to return for mid-week services and events. Toby will be moving 4 hours away to the state college, driving back only every other weekend to save gas. Oliver is married and settled in the college there, and Landon will be going back when the summer is over. The hardest though, is Justice and Noel, who in just a couple of weeks will be moving several states away for Justice to go to seminary (needless to say, our time with them will be practically non-existent). It seems when they go, our college group as we know it will ‘officially’ be over.

The gang is disintegrating. The time we have here right now for a few more days will never be the same again. This past year and a half or so together has been a priceless time that can never be made back just like it was, once it has gone. We are all growing up. We came together at the beginning of a dramatic time of change in all our lives, enjoyed a precious time of camaraderie and enriching friendship, and now must separate to make our own ways, complete the change, finish the process that will make us into the individuals and adults that the Lord had in mind when He created us. We’ve laughed together, learned together, prayed together, argued, agreed, disagreed, discussed, lived together (some of us), worried about each other, loved each other, exposed and been exposed, and even wept together at times. We’ve shared secrets and hidden secrets. We’ve withdrawn. We’ve bonded. Once we’ve separated, we will never come back together in just the same fashion again. This time can never be reproduced. Yet even this sadness is sweet. It is colored with the good memories and friendships that cannot be erased. And the parting is itself proof that we have grown, that we are benefitting from the lessons the Lord has put us through. We are moving on, spreading out, flying away from the dandelion head one seed at a time, to light again in another location and give rise to another experience like the one we came from. And some of us will stay, falling only an inch or two from the old stem, or clinging to it to continue it's life and work. Who those will be, only the Lord knows, and only time will tell.

And though I am in a sense depressed at the undeniable fact that this season is over, I am also excited. This dear group of which the Lord has so graciously allowed me to be the most insignificant part, is full of potential! Full of brilliant minds, bright eyes, eager hearts, and exalted souls. Full of life, youth, and the typical undaunted zeal and unconquered invincibility of the young. Naïve in some ways, it must be admitted, yet wise beyond their years in areas where the typical college-age young person is sadly and sorely lacking. Each one has unique talents, temperaments, oddities, and virtues. Each one is invaluable. Each one is irreplaceable.

Camille, with her confidence, brains, and compassion. Autumn, with her quietness, skills of observation, and servant’s heart. Austin, with his courage, meekness, and charm. Justice, with his boldness, desire to learn, and no-holds-barred attitude. Noel, willing, frank, and practical. Aron, thoughtful, impetuous, and honest. Henley, sweet, unselfish, and giving. Toby, mission-minded, humble, and fun. Lindy, reliable, self-effacing, and brave. Archer, wise, opinionated, and generous. Russell, happy, tenderhearted, and our entertainer. Landon, adventurous, kind, and undaunted. Trissy, quiet, hardworking, and friend of the oddball. And the others.
For myself, I leave others to critique. All are passionate.

So that contributes to my melancholy that is not wholly melancholy. Those who are departing are going with great goals – to be impacts on their new corners of the world – to be used by the Lord to do His work. To become great for His name. Those who will stay will carry on together until the Lord again divides the group. We will continue to learn, to grow, and to challenge and be challenged. We will continue to uplift and encourage each other. We will continue on. We will serve our Lord where we are.

And if each continues to seek their Lord to this goal (may it be so, dear God!), then He will toughen their determination, strengthen their strengths, gently and gradually reveal to them their faults and foibles, help them to lay those aside, and press them on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God, for the glory of Jesus Christ.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

“The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” Ps. 126:3