Upon moving to State College, PA, we were warned about the "revolving door". We were told to expect to lose at least one good friend a year. State College is a transitional community. Penn State draws people here, but for the purpose of sending them away. Our excitement about the move and the church clouded the reality of what would inevitably come.
As I looked around the church on Sunday morning, it hit me. The church looks very different than it did three and a half years ago when we arrived. My eyes glance at certain pews expecting to see certain people, but only to realize that those who have claimed those pews for the last few years are not there.
This is our fourth year here in State College. We have turned "full circle" so to speak. Those that were freshman when we arrived are now graduating. Families who have come seeking PhD's are finishing up. Those in campus ministry are moving on. All these people we have grown to love are beginning a new chapter in their lives. And it's much harder than I thought it would be! I feel hesitant to grow attached to anyone new, because I know they will soon leave.
I lost a dear friend this past weekend. She is moving on with a new chapter in her life. Soon, another student who I have grown to love will graduate. And come late Summer, another round of families, and students will claims their spots in the pews where others have worshiped.
But there is a certain excitement to the "revolving door". I have to remind myself of this. Meeting people who come from all over the country and the world is a special privilege that many do not get to experience. I already have learned so much from many different people. And perhaps the most exciting aspect of the "revolving door" comes with great responsibility. We have an awesome opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students; believers and non-believers. That's why I should never hesitate to grow attached. I should seek to grow attached. My family, and our church, has a responsibility to love, support, encourage, and minister to those that come to State College, even if for a short time.
It is hard, and it will not get any easier to watch people come and go. The challenge will be to embrace the "revolving door", develop the relationships, pour my heart into them, let them go, and start all over again . . .
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2 comments:
I feel the same way... it's just starting to hit me that so many people are beginning to leave ... but don't worry, you're stuck with me for awhile :) I love you Amy!!!
I definitely know how you feel, and I am missing you and everyone in State College terribly! (One consolation is that a lot of them aren't there now anyway, but it still is hard to come home to visit and realize how few of my friends are still there). I've really been enjoying your blog-- you have such thoughtful ideas that I really appreciate reading and I also like to be able to keep in touch with you that way! God bless and Merry Christmas, Amy!
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