Just Yesterday

15 years!!! When I was twenty, fifteen years seemed like an eternity. Now, at 59, it seems like just yesterday. Just yesterday, Cindy, Clayton, and I began a journey with you at Westwood Baptist Church. In partnership with you and the Lord, we embraced the call to Northern Virginia to serve a people we did not know in a place we had never lived. You welcomed us warmly on August 19, 2001, and helped us quickly feel part of the community. Tragedy marked our early days as we struggled through 9/11 together, and then just ten days later, the unexpected death of my father. The burdens we all carried through those days forged an appreciation for the community we shared through faith in the living Christ. Together, we leaned on the everlasting arms that enveloped our fear, grief, and continuing transition.

Just yesterday, Clayton was 7, I had dark hair (and more of it!!), and Cindy...well Cindy was then as she is now, or as folks tell me when they see a seminary picture of the two of us together from thirty-five years ago, "Cindy hasn't changed a bit!" Now Clayton is twenty-two and living on his own in Louisville, Ky. Cindy is still as beautiful as ever, and I, well, I am looking more "mature" these days. And you...well, our church family has changed in many ways over this fifteen years. Some of our folks have come and gone through relocation and retirement. Some have gotten more involved while others have stepped aside. And some have gone to be with the Lord. We have laughed together, cried together, ministered together, questioned, challenged, and affirmed our faith together. We have worked side by side in ministry and mission, seeking to share Christ's love with the world around us.

Just yesterday, (literally) at the potluck dinner in Whitten Hall, many of you voiced words of appreciation for what we have shared together over these last fifteen years. Cindy and I were humbled by your kind and loving words, further reminding us of the importance of the relationship we share within our Westwood community. Thanks to everyone who led and shared in this experience.

Just yesterday, God called us to share this journey together as pastor and people. Over fifteen years there have been moments of joy and celebration, moments of disappointment and heartache...moments of welcome and good-bye. Through it all, God has been and continues to be at work.  Just yesterday, I humbly but confidently followed God's call to be pastor of Westwood Baptist Church. Today, I am honored to continue that work in partnership with the Lord and you. May the same One who brought us together, just yesterday, continue to guide our steps together.

Jim Abernathy