Bits and pieces, bits and pieces. People. People important to you, people unimportant to you cross your life, touch it with love and move on. There are people who leave you and you breathe a sigh of relief and wonder why you ever came in contact with them. There are people who leave you and you breathe a sigh of remorse and wonder why they had to go and leave such a gaping hole. Children leave parents, friends leave friends. Acquaintances move on. People change homes. People grow apart. Enemies hate and move on. Friends love and move on. You think of the many people who have moved in and out of your hazy memory. You look at those present and wonder. I believe in God’s master plan in our lives. He moves people in and out of each other’s lives, and each leaves his mark on the other. You find you are made up of bits and pieces of all who have ever touched your life. You are more because of them, and would be less if they had not touched you. Pray that you accept the bits and pieces in humility and wonder, and never question and never regret. Bits and pieces, bits and pieces. (Anonymous)
Since the traditional gift for the first anniversary is paper, it seems fitting to write a few thoughts as Debby and I complete our first year of ministry with the Redwood Church. From the very beginning, you opened wide your hearts and invited us in. One year ago, I wrote the first “Redwood Reflections” bulletin article. Thank you for your generosity of spirit in receiving these somewhat random ruminations.
I will always be grateful for our life in God that we have shared together. Though painful, I treasure the times of loss and grief we have walked through. A lasting memory we have is the lament service in early Spring where honest tears and articulate words and persistent hope blended beautifully into an amazing masterpiece of authentic community. We certainly delight, as well, in the joyful times of weddings, baptisms, births and celebrations throughout the year.
We recall the varied opportunities to serve together, especially in outreach to the neighborhood and community. The preschool program is an abiding example of love and service. I appreciate the continuing richness and depth of worship times together. Words of testimony, blessing and encouragement flow freely from those who love God and each other, at this place. I especially cherish the Wednesday night study group, the “Men after God’s own heart” small group, and the monthly “Men Only Breakfast” meetings.
As I have noted before, I appreciate the elder’s prayer time together and their humble leadership. Matt, Betty, Silvia, Liz, and all the staff serve with faithful focus and inspired energy. The Bible class teachers and all those who labor every week in quiet ways are a consistent encouragement and example. If asked to describe the Redwood Church in a few words, my answer today would be “loving and peaceful.”
At the end of our first year, Debby and I thank you for becoming bits and pieces of us. We are more because of you and would be less if you had not touched us.
Dennis Lynn
