He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
-A psalm of David-
In this message I announced to our church that I would be leaving our pastoral staff to re-enter the world of retirement. This new transition is a bittersweet one but should be very helpful to our family. I am hoping to be able to spend more time writing and being with my beautiful wife Ann.
Wow, KB.
ReplyDeleteThat's a brave and compassionate decision. I'm very impressed and hopeful for the both you. May the Lord bless your time together.
My prayers are with you. that's a big transition
ReplyDeleteBob,
ReplyDeleteMay the LORD bless you as you undergo this transition.
Peace,
Brian
Bob,
ReplyDeleteI feel like I can sort of relate to your decision, as you know I just made a similar one (not as dire a situation, but for similar reasons). But then again maybe I am full of crap, any way I hope that you are able to help your wife (and yourself) through this very difficult time. You are always such an encouragement to me, I just want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you and Anne.
Peace Bro
Thanks all for the encouragement.. oddly enough this whole transition started in January when I read this:
ReplyDelete"Why be something to everybody when you can be everything to somebody?" -GK Chesterton
I couldn't shake it.. it haunted me.. and I soon realized that God was calling me to a different sort of ministry.
I hadn't heard that quote. But, it is very profound.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Brian
It IS a ministry, you will be ministering in your domestic church. Change is hard and awkward and uncomfortable but that GKC quote is fantastic - never heard it before. You will be everything to each other, and I know your love will overflow into the world, ministering to it in a different way than from the pulpit.
ReplyDeleteYou'll be ministering outwardly without knowing it, I'm sure, as you always have.
ReplyDeleteI understand this; I see my dad and his wife going through similar circumstances.
I hope you do travel. They do very well traveling, they enjoy it very much and you're much younger than they.
I read this the other day, Bob, and tried to leave a comment and it would not let me!!! So I came back today. I was surprised at your retirement but I know you are doing what God is leading you to and I trust the future holds just what you and your lovely Ann need.
ReplyDeleteI'll certainly keep you both in my prayers.
Susan
God bless both you and Ann, Bob. I wouldn't call this retirement, but a Heavenly redirection of focus and energy. After all, a retired general is still a general! ;)
ReplyDeleteBlessings, my friend!
ReplyDelete