ENDINGS

 Without a doubt, this will be one of the most difficult blogs I've written.  Last Sunday morning, I hung up my spurs, laid down my pen, and closed the book. It's something I should have done before I even started our last study.  "Should have done" is something I'm trying to stop saying. Actually, those in leadership can attest to the fact that over the last six years, I'd tried at least three times to 'end' my role as teacher. Each time, I would let them talk me into staying in the teacher's seat. THIS TIME, circumstances have intervened.  

Last Sunday, I summarized my tenure as teacher with the three things I set out to do over 18 years ago.  

1. To instill a desire and hunger to study God's word.  I've never been big on doctrinal statements, mission statements, or...statements. In all of humanities history, never has God's word been more readily available than it is today. It rests on night tables, coffee tables, library shelves, and now it LIVES on our phones.  To not study that word with all the tools we have at our fingertips is a sin.  According to Jesus, knowing God is eternal life.  (John 17:3)  This was always my driving purpose in our Men's Bible Study Group.'

2. To have a deep and abiding relationship with Christ through the leading of Holy Spirit. As wonderful as it is to have the Word of God at our fingertips, there is nothing more satisfying than being led by God's Spirit through life. Holy Spirit, in agreement with the Word of God will take us through every moment of our lives with grace, love, tenderness, compassion, and joy.  When His Spirit is alive in us, we become His instruments of righteousness, and conduit for miracles.  I hoped to inspire a deep and abiding trust in Holy Spirit to lead us moment by moment through good times and bad times. There are no surprises in following Jesus, just wonder.

3. When Pastor Goff asked me to lead our Bible Study I told him that the only way I would do it is if our young boys could join us.  I set the age for joining at thirteen, and as each boy in our church came of age we would joyfully welcome them into our group. When Holy Spirit dropped this idea into my heart, the purpose was the same as Paul taking Timothy under his wing.  Instead of allowing our boys to become victims of their passions, and the lure of the world, we would show them the joy of Christian fellowship, the reward of honoring their father, and how they could create lifelong fellowship among one another. As with Paul, and Timothy I desired to offer our boys the opportunity to study and present lessons themselves. Some of my happiest memories are of the 'boys' teaching all of us men what they saw in the Word of God. Some of them have gone on to other places, and some have even become ministers where they went. This is what I've always wanted, while my dream was for one of them to one day take the reigns of our fellowship. Each boy that went to Nicaragua has preached to large crowds in the different churches we went to. We never went on a Missionary trip that we didn't take at least five young men with us.  Some things have to be experienced to be appreciated.

I believe we did all that we set out to do.  Now it is time to end.  There is nothing wrong with ending something when there appears to be no reason to. I'm not going to wax maudlin, or try to create tearful farewells. If someone else wants to pick up the mantle, they would have my blessing.  One of you has already asked if I would mind if they picked up the mantle. I would be thrilled but, I just won't be a part of it. I know that sounded harsh, but it isn't. I'm in standby mode, and have been since Glenda passed away. Nearly three years on, and I still feel something (not someone) else is out there. The endings in my personal life have left me alone, without family living nearby, and without many of the people who were important to me. In October of 2021, my Mom went on to her reward, and in 2023 my Dad went to his reward. In 2023 my Aunt, and my wife, as well as four awesome men who I worked with, studied with, laughed, and cried with all went to be with Jesus. The people who I thought would memorialize me in my death, and sing my praises are gone. I will do the one thing I never wanted for other people, I will die alone. It's the process of life. On the other side of this vale, I know Jesus is waiting.  

For those of you who stood by me, encouraged me, and made our studies exciting, I thank you for every moment, and precious memory you gave me. I'll say three words that I hope will bring smiles to your faces. Nicaragua, donuts, and OCC.  If you know me, you know what these are to me.  

In a couple of weeks, I'll have Google compile all my blogs into a file, and then I'll delete my blogs. They were for your consumption, and a means for me to release what was in my heart. That will be the end of this wonderful journey for me.   

Lastly, for those of you who just have to understand everything, and have reasons for everything, I'll say it one more time; I am not angry, disappointed, or injured.  It is simply time to end.