Clare Shearing looks for the ‘good’ as she says ‘goodbye’ for the time being
‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.’ Ecclesiastes 3 :1
As this verse expresses so poetically, we go through many different times and seasons in our lives. As I leave my work as communications officer and enter a new period of caring for my mother, it is reassuring to know that exiting one season allows us to enter a new one, and that this is all part of God’s plan. For me, this change gives rise to a huge range of emotions: much sadness to be relinquishing a role I have loved; gratitude for all the ways it has allowed me to serve the Lord and the church family at St Saviour’s; but also surrender to and confidence in God’s promises and for His purposes to be fulfilled. So, though ‘goodbye’ is difficult, I find myself trusting the Lord, both for myself and my family, and for St Saviour’s.
‘Goodbye’ and ‘thank you’ often seem to be companions, words that go hand in hand as we move on through life. My particular ‘thank yous’ go to the staff team: to Andy and Mel for all the confidence and trust that they have vested in me; to Caz, Phil, and Jez (and Nathan before him), as well as former office friends, Kerry and Tanja. But really my gratitude extends to the whole church family at St Saviour’s – so many of you have supported from behind the scenes, or brought me a cuppa, or given encouragement and a friendly word. I feel very appreciative of and grateful to you all for your support and forbearance over the years!
Please be praying for the right person for this role in this new phase in St Saviour’s church life, and for Andy and the rest of the staff team as they continue to work so diligently in His service. They really are an amazing bunch of people, and serve so tirelessly.
I admit it is difficult to find the ‘good’ in ‘goodbye’ when there are so many people and memories that make it tough, but perhaps it is a bit easier as we learn to let go and let God. My next step is not an easy one, but it’s the season that God has called me into, and I find that I trust the Lord, both for myself and my family, and for St Saviour’s. As Dr Seuss says, ‘Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.’ Goodbye for the time being, and thank you!
Clare Shearing, church communications officer
