And so the saying goes, all good things come to an end...a delicious cup of coffee, a captivating book, an amazing summer in Belgium. Although the cessation is sad, an endless cup of coffee would not provide the drinker with the enjoyment it does when it comes to an end, and he is left to expectantly wait for the next morning's beverage. Reading an endless book (besides being boring and monotonous) would steal from the reader the opportunity to explore other writings. Likewise, staying here in Brussels would keep me from being elsewhere.
My departure from the Petries is just about 36 hours away. It is weird to think that I won't be here anymore, serving them, sharing life with them. It has been an incredible time. I cannot recount how much I have learned from them, nor how much I have enjoyed them. I aspire to imitate their outlook on life and their pursuit of the Father. The other day, Paul said to someone who was in a hard situation, "If you can, maintain an attitude of gratitude and peace." That is exactly how they live - grateful, and at peace, even though circumstances many times do not encourage such a disposition. I could write a book on different things they have said that have been quite revolutionary for me - many times just passing comments.
Last night, they planned a dinner for me, as they do for all departing caregivers. Special china, food, drink, presents, kind words. It was a wonderful night together. Psalm 21:6 says, "For you make [the king] most blessed forever" or "You make him a source of blessing forever." I have often wondered at the interchangeableness of the terms 'being blessed' and being a 'source of blessing.' I think, however, I am starting to grasp the incredible gift of being a blessing. The Lord has definitely enabled me and strengthened me to serve during this time, and I think through His grace, they were blessed.
The sadness of leaving is magnified because of how indefinite the next time I will see Rebecca is. We have built quite a friendship. Though at the same time, I am excited. The time has come, and it will be good. I look forward to seeing and being with everyone there I have missed so much. This will probably be the last blog because I will cease to be in an exciting, overseas setting...although waffles, wine, and wamblings in my life will probably continue.
