Sometimes the parting

Sometimes the parting leaves grieving and sorrow,

Sometimes the leaving brings anger and fear.

Sometimes the urge is to wait 'til tomorrow,

And yet the Spirit calls us to draw near.

 

Sometimes the task is to reckon our hurting,

Sometimes the work is to look deep within. 

Sometimes the loss is just too disconcerting,

And yet our call is to rise up again.

 

Sometimes we linger on those who departed,

Sometimes we fret over lost pride and power.

Sometimes the wish is to stop what we started, 

And yet we're called to reach out every hour.

 

Those who are seeking, alone, sad, and fearful,

Those who are barred from another church door;

Can we give welcome to those shunned and fearful,

Welcome God's children now and evermore?

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, July 2023.

MUSIC: Suggested tune MORNING SONG, James P. Harding, 1892.

 

 

Written while attending The Art of Transitional Ministry workshop, week 2, at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center on Lake Tahoe in Nevada.