A Chapter Closes

Well, Thursday was my last day as an employee of Knox Seminary. That's a very bittersweet thought. I'm thrilled to have the chance to work full-time at home, and am so incredibily blessed to have my little son, but Knox has been a great place to be. I've grown a lot there, especially during these past two very difficult years. If I hadn't had the support, prayers, and encouragement I received there, it would have been much more difficult and bleak. I really do feel that Iain is partly Knox's baby as the running office joke goes. Here is just a sampling of the kind words that were shared with me on last day:

Mrs. Douglas . . . I just can't bring myself to say Goodbye . . . it sounds too . . . what? Well, too final. So how about "So long . . . see you later!" On the other hand, since "Goodbye" is probably a contraction of "God be with you" that IS a fitting parting word. May He indeed go with you as He continues to form your baby boy; go with you as Brian raises funds; go with you to merry ol' England (assuming, of course, that Brian graduates from Knox). If you haven't noticed already . . . you are part of a family that just isn't really letting you go. You just can't be separated from our hearts. Thanks for all your loving service . . . and great cookies too!

CDW

Dear Jordan,

With all my heart I do herewith remit, revoke, and otherwise fully indemnify and wholly cancel all previously assigned time upon the seven terraces of purgatory (that you had however been justly charged with by me). This remission is wholly based on your good works as well as your grace, of which there is most certainly a superabundance.

We will all deeply miss your winsome smile and evident love of the Savior, but we rejoice knowing that you are fulfilling your higher calling as Ian's mother and Brian's wife. May the Lord greatly magnify your ministry to His glory in all the years to come. You are a treasure, Jordan, and have been and remain a special joy to me.

With every blessing for you, Ian, and Brian,

Warren

ps. Did you feel the earth tremble just now?

For whatever reason, Joann and I have had other friends who have had to struggle through trials similar to your own. It is a hard providence. But be assured of this: God will sanctify that distress to you, Brian, and your son. Thankfully, we know that He lets nothing, nothing at all, go to waste in His merciful sovereignty to those He loves. Let this be your comfort and confidence.

P.S. To paraphrase a well-known line—friends don’t let friends say, “Goodbye.” So I’ll just say, “See ya later.”

RFW

Your presence with us has been a tremendous blessing, Jordan, and we all—faculty, staff, students, visitors, supporters—all shall certainly miss you. I can’t believe the time has come already. I anticipate withdrawal pains, now and when you three move off to England. God’s richest blessings on you all!

In Christ,

E. Calvin Beisner

Don't know if we can go on. This might be the way that the world ends, with a whimper and not a bang. We will miss you (if the world goes on) so please come back by often, and bring cookies!

Really, it has been a wonderful privilege to work with someone as gracious and kind as you. I know that the Lord has great things in store for you and I can't wait to see what they are. Onward!

Tolle Lege,
Sam

Jordan,

I have said before and mean it most sincerely - There is only one Jordan! We have been blessed by your gracious spirit and many acts of kindness. You have eased our way many times and we will miss you. I can't wait to see how God will demonstrate His grace to you in this next chapter!

Lovingly,

Becky

And a card from my sweet husband, reading:

“Of all the blessings in my life, I treasure you the most, you’re really special to me.”

Hi, buddy! I know this is a little sappy, but it's true. This'll be the last thing I send to you at work--it's kind of happy and sad at the same time, isn't it? I can't tell you how much I love you and how much it means to me that you have worked so hard at Knox for us. Your labors have been a blessing to our family--thank you very much. And I am very happy to have you returning home! I love you very much, and I will see you soon.

Love,
Brian



How very blessed I am. Looking back on what God has so richly blessed me with, how can I be afraid for the future-- even filled with as much uncertainty as it is? He is faithful and has never failed me before. I pray He will show me better how to trust him now.