Leaving....

1 Thes. 2:17-3:5 But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. [18] For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan stopped us. [19] For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? [20] Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

[3:1] So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. [2] We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow-worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, [3] so that no-one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. [4] In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. [5] For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.

The word torn has violent and damaging conotations - as if Paul and his companions were so linked to the the small church that when they were parted it was like they had been ripped away, perhaps even unwillingly. It speaks of love and devotion to each other, of lives that have become so entwined that it is hard to see where one stops and another begins.

I wonder if we have formed those bonds with the people we are in faith communities with. I don't believe that we are always tied to each other forever - but I do believe that we should act as if we are, so that when we are called onwards there is excitment about what lies ahead, but also pain at what is being left behind. It will be a sign that what we are leaving counted, that it mattered.

We live in a culture which is very transient. With people's work carrying them around the country it is natural that our faith communities will vary from one year unto the next. But if we are leaving we should make sure of one thing - we will be missed when we go.