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This time next week the movers will have taken over my humble 1000 square foot house, and my life will officially be in “transit.” I’m in the ambiguous place where it’s too early to start packing, but too late to make many other arrangements. I’ve not sold my house yet, and my faith is really being tested in this process. How I’ll make a mortgage payment in Dallas, and apartment rent in Lubbock is beyond me at this point.

Last night was my last Wednesday Night service at the church here in Dallas, and my last Sunday is fast approaching. I’ve had such nice things said to me by parents and others here in Dallas. It’s kind of sad that it’s taken me leaving to hear about my impact in the lives of some of these families. I’ve been trying to cram in as many lunches and dinners as I can with friends before I leave Dallas, and my schedule is pretty tight at this point. Tonight is a rescheduled soccer game for the ‘Cool Cats’, my next to last game to coach, Friday I have a HOT date, Saturday morning is the last game for the Cool Cats, and then Saturday afternoon some families from the church are hosting an outdoor picnic. Sunday is my last Sunday at the church, and there are some special things planned… I think. Sunday afternoon my wife is having a little ‘packing party’ with some friends, and Sunday night I have dinner with another friend. And so on and so forth…

It’s weird because I can’t honestly say I’ll be back in Dallas. I don’t have any family in this area, with the exception of some family way up in Plano. I believe that if I was ever in Dallas I’d just be driving through. I really hope I can keep in touch with these people after I leave, but I really think I won’t see many of them ever again. (Of course with the exception of a few special people.)

I’ve always appreciated that children I work with tell me how they feel without beating around the bush. If I plan something and they don’t think its fun, they’ll tell me, “Pastor Jonathan, this Stinks!” It’s honesty like that that makes my job so much fun.

Well, this Sunday I finally told all the kids at the church that my family and I would be leaving Dallas, and therefore they would not being seeing me ever again after next Sunday. I was more nervous about telling the kids I was leaving, than telling anyone else. I was mostly afraid of what they would say to me about it. Here were some of the reactions:

“I hope you’re cursed for this!”
“I don’t want to come to this church if you’re not here!”
“Why? Why would you do this to us?”

Mostly the group of 100 kids sat with their mouths open, not knowing what to say. I really do feel for them, and I understand that things like this are hard for kids to understand. I told them that I’ve taught them to listen to God and be quick to do what he says; and that it was my turn to listen to what God was telling me to do. Most of them understood, and just wanted hugs. I even had a kid return with a camera to get a picture taken with me. It’s funny how it’s not till you leave a place that you’re told how important you are to so many people. Not that it would have influenced my decision, but it would have been nice to know months and years ago. I’ve heard some of the nicest things ever said about me from parents and others in the church this week. Don’t worry in the spirit of humility I will not post those comments.

Of course knowing kids as well as I do, they will all forget who I am after about 2 weeks and their lives will move on.

One Week Countdown

Dallas Living

I’m Leaving