Relocating

Reading: Genesis 12:1-4a – Go to the Land That I Will Show You

Prayer of Confession: “Gracious God, we confess that we like to be comfortable. … When you asked Abram and Sarai to leave all that was familiar, they obeyed you and went where you led them. Meanwhile, we idolize nation, home and even church buildings. Too often, we look with suspicion on those who are strangers among us. Crossing borders, risking the unfamiliar, welcoming changes – these things require more faith than we can muster. Forgive us, O God. Heal our reliance on things familiar by filling us with your grace; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.”

Question: Which relocations in your life (new home, new job, etc.) came with the most risk, reward, or loss?

The words (in “The Message”) that struck me about the Genesis 12 passage are “You’ll be a blessing… … I’ll bless those who bless you”.

When I married a young minister in 1954, I spoke the words of Ruth as part of my vows. “Wherever you go, I will go; Your people will be my people, and your God my God”. That vow was difficult to keep when it came time to move from one parish to another. One older wife in our conference didn’t move. She remained at her teaching job and commuted on weekends to her husband’s church.

In 1961, I cried bitter tears at having to leave other young mothers whose children had been my children’s playmates and with whom I had formed deep friendships. In 1970, I was again extremely upset to have to leave Connecticut just when I was in the final stages of preparing for a teaching career – in a school just a block from our parsonage. Four years later, after acquiring New York State permanent certification, we moved to New York City where my teaching credentials were invalid. Fifteen years later it was time to move again – this time for medical reasons – to our little house in the Poconos where we had ten years together before my husband’s death in late 1999, I moved to Newbury Court in 2001. Each of the departures has been difficult, but the new locations brought immensely enjoyable fellowship and service and deep friendships which have lasted through the years.

Although I was surely not as gracious as Abraham had been (I wonder how Sarah felt about the move), I realize that rich blessings were bestowed in each of the locations to which we traveled. It would take pages to recount the memories. Some were not so happy but most were. Hopefully, I have been a blessing as was promised to Abraham. I have tried to be of service, and am deeply grateful for the kindnesses shown to me. The warmth of our SUMC family has sustained me through many challenging situations. Hopefully, the words to Abraham have also been true in our lives. That the blessings you have bestowed upon me have resulted in God’s promise, “I’ll bless those who bless you”. Thanks to God for caring about us – even when we don’t appreciate the need to move to a new location – whether it’s physical or emotional or perhaps even spiritual!

-Janet Johnson