The Pain of Moving Away
Have you ever moved?
Whether it be graduating college or moving because of a new job, most of us have experienced this. I lived in a wonderful place called Buckfield, Maine for most of my childhood. Spending over 10+ years in a small town made it easy to know practically everybody. When my father told us we were moving to Ohio it was a complete shock being so engrained into the community as we were. With my parents starting small groups, inviting 100s of people over to our house, and being involved with their children’s schools, it was a surprise to a lot of people!
As the week of the move approached, we went to our Church on a random Thursday night and over 100 people were there to surprise us with a going away party! As several people came up to give a short little memory of how much the Vayda family influenced them, there seemed to not be one dry eye in the room.
As I was reading my bible today, I was reminded of this memory as Paul went through something similar:
“Then Paul went down on his knees, all of them kneeling with him, and prayed. And then a river of tears. Much clinging to Paul, not wanting to let him go. They knew they would never see him again—he had told them quite plainly. The pain cut deep. Then, bravely, they walked him down to the ship.”
We should be so invested into a community that the effects of our commitment are deeply felt. Once we leave, a spirit of loss should be present. I want to feel broken hearted with those who were closest to me because of the intimacy that was cultivated. Until that day that we move away from the place we now call home, let’s dedicate ourselves to loving big. As your dreams take you to some place bigger and better, do not forget to invest into those whom you are living with now.
