Endings and New Beginnings

The last few days have been quite emotional, marking the end of one path and the beginning of a new one.  Last week was the big senior week for Emily.  Wednesday night was her recital in which she danced to "Drink from this Water" by Anointed.  She did a beautiful job.  The next day was my last day of work.  I turned my keys in and closed the door for the last time in the library.  It was difficult to say goodbye.  I have spent 8 years of my life in the library where the Lord allowed me to serve the students, faculty, and staff of Ben Lippen School.  It was my privilege and I learned a lot.  Then Thursday night was the candlelight service where Mike and Emily read scripture together.  Our Emily has turned into a very poised public speaker!  Then, of course, Friday was the big day!  Uncle Brian and Grandmom came to help us celebrate Emily graduating from High School!  She received the Headmaster's award for receiving all A's in her senior year, and for maintaining a 4.5 gpa throughout her high school years!  What an amazing young lady you are Emily!  We are very proud of you!  Saturday we went to a beautiful wedding in Beaufort, SC where Kali Diaz married Jacob Leonard.  We wish them all the best and the Lord's blessing on their new lives together.  Then Sunday was Emily's recital.  She did her solo again and a group dance.  She also received her senior recognition as this marked her last year at Columbia Ballet School.  Monday we had a cookout and watched the new Indiana Jones movie.  This was a fun family time.  Then Tuesday was a very difficult day.  It marked the end of Mike's 20 years of teaching at Ben Lippen.  We had a luncheon and a cookout in which our family was remembered for our work at Ben Lippen.  Our family grew up at this place and we have made lifelong friends who will always hold a very special place in our hearts.  Words can not express how much we love the people whom we served with over these past 20 years nor can they state how very grateful we are to the teachers who spoke into our children's lives in the classroom as well as in living out their lives as an example of Christ.  Thank you so much precious teachers and colleagues for all you have done and meant to our family.  We also had to say goodbye to our wonderful son Joshua and his precious fiance Allison on Tuesday.  Their car was loaded done with all their worldly possessions as they headed out on their long journey to Portland, OR where they will start their new lives together.  While it is very difficult to see them go, we know that they have an exciting life ahead of them and we look forward with joy to see what the Lord has in store for them.  We love you both!  Needless to say, it has been an emotional roller coaster for the last several days.  We have closed the doors on one life and opened the door to another.  Mike started working full time today in real estate.  He is looking forward to new beginnings as am I.  It is definitely a step of faith and feels a little bit like free falling, but we both look forward to what new things God has in store for us.  I thought my devotional verse for today was very appropriate for this first day of our new adventure:  2 Timothy 4:7:  "For Gd hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of sound mind".