Sweet Visit, Bitter Goodbye

I kissed Margo goodbye this morning shortly before 5:00 a.m. at the curb of Reagan National Airport. With tears in her eyes, we held onto each other for a few lingering moments in the pre-dawn darkness. I hate goodbyes...

But it's been a wonderful week together. We enjoyed a very special anniversary celebration, and laughed at how our minds think alike when it came to gifts and interests. Margo had a chance to explore our new hometown in Virginia, and to see some of the places and people I've been telling her about for several weeks.

The most amazing thing on this visit was the unbelievable hospitality of the folks at our church. Our original intent was to sneak away for a few days alone together. But Margo shared how she's feeling more and more isolated from friends back in Arizona -- it's tough to stay connected once you've already begun the goodbyes -- and how lonely it's been at times. So we decided to stick around town and connect with people. With just a couple of days' notice, several folks went out of their way to host dinners and gatherings almost every night of Margo's visit. It was amazing! And Margo felt truly loved by our new friends. I've been telling her how incredible the folks of Hope are, and she got a great first-hand taste of what I've been talking about. It is so refreshing to be part of a church family where everyone truly understands grace, kindness, generosity, compassion, and plain old friendliness. I can barely wait for our kids to experience this as well.

But now comes more waiting. Waiting for our house to sell. Waiting for the doors to open so we can all be together. Waiting for God's timing. Waiting for his Spirit to be unleashed in our midst as we reach out to the folks of Warrenton. Waiting for the blessings that God surely has in store for us. What is it that Isaiah said? "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall rise up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not grow faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

So we wait upon you, Lord. And I continue to find peace and even joy in the waiting. Thanks, Father.