“Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.” (Philippians 2:23–24, KJV)
When I served in the United States Army, I was stationed in Germany. My tour there was to be for three years. However, due to a shortage of personnel, I was involuntarily extended for six months. So, I was away from the United States for three and a half years.
About two months before I was to rotate back to the states, I put my wife and daughter on an airplane to go back home as our unit was going to the field. I put in for leave in conjunction with my permanent change of station (PCS) so I could travel back home with them, but it was denied because the commander deemed that my role was too important.
The entire time I was on that field exercise, I wrote a letter to my wife every day. Every time there was a mail call, I hoped to receive a letter from home. Yet none came. Well, the field maneuver ended and I finally got on an airplane home. I called home to give my family my time of arrival at JFK in New York.
When I got to customs, the agent I met asked me how long I had been gone. When I told him three and a half years, he asked, “And you have not been back her for that long?” I stated, “That is correct.” Well, he sent me right through without question.
I still remember the scene at the airport when I went through the doors to the waiting area where my family would be. I had my duffle bag hanging on my shoulder and my suitcase in my left hand. There at the gate was my wife, mother and father. My wife came rushing toward me and hugged me with tears her eyes. I dropped my suitcase and her hug caused my army hat to be cocked on my head. At the same time, my dad grabbed my right hand for a handshake and my mother stood at a distance patiently waiting for her turn to give me a hug also.
When I got to my folk’s home, we had a great reunion. Something for which I had longed. Why do I relate this long chapter of my life? It is to demonstrate the bonds of love that hold us together, bonds that time and distance cannot break.
Paul was in a Roman imprisonment when he wrote to the church in Philippi. Paul loved the churches and that meant the parishioners who were there. Like me, he longed to see those whom he loved. Neither the Roman imprisonment, the distance, nor the time away from the church could break the bond of love he had for them in Christ.
You know I believe it is the same for every pastor. At least it is that way for me. I have made some very strong bonds with parishioners in the congregations that I have pastored. I would love to see them again. I know that there will be a great day of reunion when we all get to heaven. However, for now, like Paul I send an annual letter at Christmas time to those whom I can. Moreover, I look forward to that day that we shall meet again.
Renewing the Heart 