Well... that's that!

[Velveteen Rabbit]

My friend J, after Bible study tonight, pulled aside my parents and me -- which gave me a bad feeling right away -- and told us that he's been offered a job in his home town... and he's accepted.

He's leaving town in about six weeks.

I don't think God could have answered my prayers any more clearly. He's taking J away from me.

I'm really happy for him as this is a good opportunity and he'll be closer to his family again but I am going to miss him so badly. We've served together at church so well for the past couple of years and there is going to be a huge gaping hole where he's been. Not to mention our friendship.

I know he was torn because he loves it here and he loves our church so this is hard for him, too. But he really feels God leading him to go.

Oh God, please give me faith and strength and wisdom and grace to make it through the next few months. I'm scared. Amen.

[Jerry]

Or,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,God is prepairing to add something
Love Jerry

[Oopsie Daisey]

Dearest VR:

One of the things I have found out about lately VR, is that what would appear to be isn't necessarily the answer. I don't know if that makes sense or not but for now J is out of your life in a matter of days. How nice he pulled you aside to tell you though and not let you learn through someone else. Gosh, that was thoughtful. Hummm...Well I stand with you in agreement for God's best choice for your life. ~~Melanie~~

[Velveteen Rabbit]

It's just hard because every time I make a good friend, they leave. All these amazing people have come to our church, gotten involved, and then moved on. I'm always the "leavee". Everyone leaves and I am left behind mourning after them. God always heals the pain and, yes, he brings me new friends, but it hurts like crazy every time it happens.

Yes, it was thoughtful of him to speak to my family first -- but then, my dad is the pastor and he's very close to us. I like how my dad reacted and appreciated that he asked J if he could pray for him afterward.

I know J is feeling this, too, so the last thing I want to do is make him feel guilty for going. I don't want to dump these feelings on him at all. I want to be an encourager in his life. These are feelings that I know God can take care of.

In fact, I spent some time in prayer before I came back to the forum and while I was typing all this I already began to feel a bit more peaceful.

I can't change the situation -- it is beyond my control. But I can change my attitude. Whining and moping and complaining is only going to make things harder for me and those around me, right?

There is still some room for grieving, I believe, but I will try to do that in God's presence.

Life.

Sigh!

[Velveteen Rabbit]

Big words. The truth is, I'm hurting. A lot. How am I going to get any work done this week (and it's a crazy week!)?

God, I really need You. Please help me to cast my anxieties on You, trusting that You care for me. Amen

[Jerry]

There is still some room for grieving, I believe, but I will try to do that in God's presence.

Life.

Sigh![/QUOTE]

Dear VR.,,,,
What a deeply touching thought!
Love Jerry