Change

Nothing stays the same. Everything is in constant change.

Tonight we got the word that a mediator has recommended that our congregation and the pastor of our church negotiate a separation.

There were two other scenarios presented. One was to work on patching up the differences. The other was to have the pastor continue and have some members of the congregation leave.

It was decided that planning the exit of the pastor is in the best interest for everyone.

Is it? How do you know? The answer is that you don’t. No matter what decision is made, change will have to occur. People’s attitudes are going to have to change. If anybody refuses to change in this episode in his life, he will not be growing.

There will be some who will recommend that we don’t focus on who was at fault and work towards the future. I think we should look at who is at fault, because I think that we will find that some fault lies with everyone. None of us is perfect. It is only when we examine our own shortcomings, admit them and then correct them that we will learn how not to make the same mistakes again.

As hard as this decision is on all parties, it is definitely an opportunity to grow. It sort of reminds me of when I cut some of the bushes in our backyard. I can chop them down quite ruthlessly. Within a month, they are growing back stronger than ever. Let’s hope that this episode in everyone’s life involved in this caper has an ending like this. I want to see the bush healthy again with new, strong growth.