It has been said that the only person who likes change is a baby with a dirty diaper. In this present world, though, change is as certain as death and taxes. Our lives are in continual flux. Scientists tell us that the human body replaces approximately 330 billion cells every day! That is a lot of change. Census data reveals that about 40 million Americans move each year, which is about 12% of the population. Every day in our world some 178,000 people die, which computes to 7,425 an hour and 120 every minute. Solomon wisely observed, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
The older I get, the more I understand the transience of life. It really is a journey with different seasons and chapters. Other than God and His Word, there is nothing in this world that does not change. The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Thankfully, the unchangeable God fully understands and guides us through the changes of life. He is the constant that gives stability in times of uncertainty. Not even death can unsettle the believer who trusts in the Lord. The promise of His presence and eternal life provide peace in the midst of anxiety.
Our family is going through a time of transition and change as we uproot our comfortable lives in San Saba to move to Gatesville and pastor the Trinity Baptist Church. God has a way of shaking us up – stirring our spirits and shifting our focus – for the next chapter of life. This decision was not something we planned or expected, but doors began to open and the Spirit of God began to nudge. Jan and I both sensed that God was calling us to a crossroads of life and we needed to obey. Though we grieve over leaving so many wonderful friends in San Saba and our church family at First Baptist, we are excited at what God has in store in the next phase of the journey.
Thank you, San Saba, for providing such a great place to raise our four daughters over the course of nearly a quarter of a century. Thank you for welcoming us and encouraging us as we lived out the call of God in this community. Thank you to all the devoted followers of Jesus Christ who lifted us up in prayer, walked with us through struggles, and supported the ministries we initiated through the church and in the area. Our lives have been greatly enriched through our time in this community. Our continual prayer for this town and county is that Jesus Christ will be exalted, the gospel will be shared, people will be saved, churches will be strengthened, families will be restored, and God will be glorified.