How do you say, "Goodbye." Not easily. The "ride" here at UNMC has been exhilarating - mostly. I have enjoyed myself with you and come to know you as a stimulating, tough thinking, congregation with an insatiable quest for what is true. You have kept me on my tippy-toes.
It would not be fair to identify all of those by name who have been so cordial, for I am sure I would leave someone out. I have been thoroughly delighted with the lunches and the exchanges in which we have participated. It has pushed me and kept me thinking. So many of you have been very gracious. Your hospitality has been outstanding.
Just before I came here I had a small stroke in the center of my brain which caused me to lose my memory. I was taken to Johns Hopkins for tests and observation. After $6,000 in tests, they prescribed one aspirin a day! My memory gradually returned over a period of about a month. I came to realize that there were important things I would leave out of a sermon after that. I had been accustomed to preaching without notes and finally came to understand that had to change, since some of the things I really wanted to say were never said. So, being here has pushed me to write. It is an excellent discipline that I have learned to appreciate and adjust to.
I will remember you fondly and put you on my pray list - that God may continue to bless you and your new settled Pastor and that God will give you a rich harvest in this very exciting neighborhood.
Jim
Posted by Mark McNabb at July 13, 2006 11:15 AM