Well, we did it. We just drove off and left her. We drove an hour down the road, let her out, and drove off. Sounds like a kitten you’re trying to get rid of, doesn’t it? No, I’m talking about our younger daughter Dory, of course. And it wasn’t quite as heartless as that sounds.
Today was her move in day at Bethel University in McKenzie. She went up for her two weeks of theatre “camp” before the regular semester begins. We carried in box after box after box (repeat again). Clothes, shoes, books, blankets, and, and, and…. well, you get the picture. We tried several different groupings until her furniture was in the best possible arrangement. We made her bed and hung her pictures. We made a trip to Wal-Mart and then later to Dollar Tree for just one or two more things. As we got ready to go, we hugged, cried a little, regrouped then hugged and cried some more. Finally, we said our last goodbyes and “I love you’s” and walked out of the dorm.
We will miss her. There will be times when she will miss us – I sure hope! She may even fight a little homesickness, that’s only natural. Thank goodness she’s only an hour down the road! The children of Israel had worries as well when Moses said his goodbyes. But he reminded them, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut 31:6) Those words can comfort us today just as it did the Israelites two thousand years ago. God lives in our hearts, so He is always with us. So, whether it’s Dory in a room of unknown suitemates or you seated around a conference table, God is right there with you. He will not leave you!!
I ordered our Christmas music so if you’d like to make a short-term commitment why not join the choir for Christmas!? Pray about it!
Until our next togethering,
love ya,
Bret
