After a week of meaningful conversations, I have few words left, but I offer my grandfather’s prayer as we reach the conclusion of the “search process” and prepare for the actual work to begin later this month. Ten days before my maternal grandfather, Roger, died, he offered a prayer, blessing a family breakfast. With its holy brevity, offered so close to his passing, my family has clung to this prayer and cherished it for the past ten years.
“God, thank you.” I am filled with gratitude for the love, persistence, and faith shown by Highland’s Pastor Search Committee, and I want to express my appreciation for Kathey, Jess, Amy, Larry, Abbi, Robert, Diane, Ron, and Erin, as well as Highland’s staff, for their generous welcome.
“God, be close to us.” I look forward to beginning this journey as pastor and people. Until then, I trust that God is close to us, nourishing us and sending us forth to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly among people who are hungry and hurting.
In the meantime, my family will be around, but I’ll be at home getting life things squared away so I can walk into the office on Monday, March 23, open and ready to join you in this holy, difficult, and wildly wonderful ministry we will share. Until then, I trust Christ’s peace follows you wherever you roam.
~ Carol Harston