“Meanwhile, back at the ranch…”     July 2011

Someone once said this of “Time:”  “Time is significant because it is so rare.  It is completely irretrievable.  You can never repeat it or relive it.  There is no such thing as a literal instant replay.  That appears only on film.  It travels alongside us every day, yet it has eternity wrapped up in it.  Although this is true, time often seems relative, doesn’t it?  For example, two weeks on a vacation is not at all like two weeks on a diet.  Also, some people can stay longer in an hour than others can in a week!  Ben Franklin said of time, ‘…that is the stuff life is made of.’  Time forms life’s building blocks.  The philosopher William James once said, ‘The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.’ (Lloyd Cory, Quote Unquote).

As I write my final installment of “Meanwhile, back at the ranch” I find myself very conscious of time.  I realize the end of my time here in Albany is drawing near.  I realize that my time as Pastor of MMPC is on the verge of ending.  I recognize that the time has come for me to say goodbye but I do so with the assurance that it is only for a time.  But I also acknowledge that it is time for me to say “Thank You.”

Thank you for the love and affirmation you all have shown me and my family during our time here.

Thank you for the hospitality.

Thank you for the generosity.

Thank you for the prayers.

Thank you for the banana pudding.

Thank you for the Rolo cookies.

Thank you for the Diet Green Tea.

Thank you for the laughs and thank you for the tears.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family.

Thank you for choosing to be a part of my family.

Thank you for trusting me and thank you for challenging me.

Thank you for having us into your homes.

Thank you for the many tangible gifts you have given us over the years but also thank you for many intangible gifts as well.

Thank you for your patience.

Thank you for your service.

Thank you for your leadership.

Thank you for welcoming us here but also thank you for graciously releasing us to go where God is leading.

The truth of the matter is this:  there is not enough TIME to adequately express our THANKS to the great people of MMPC and the community of Albany.  Therefore, please know that we will always be thankful for you and humbled that our Lord was so thoughtful to allow us the privilege to share time with you.  Know you all will remain in our prayers.  Again, thank you. 

See you back at the ranch!

Trey