What does it mean to “leave well”? As I once again finding myself leaving friends and family in the US to return to my life in South Africa, I’ve been pondering that phrase. The importance of leaving well is commonly discussed in many ministry contexts including overseas missions. For me, it is something to keep in mind among all the busyness of the last weeks and then days before my flight. To be more intentional about the things I do and don’t do with my time and energy.
During the past few
days, I have been working alongside my parents going though closets and boxes
in their/our home in WA. Lots set aside
to give to charity, some set aside as keepsakes, some just reorganized. It was finally time to get rid of all my
notes from 10 years of college, old work paperwork, and clothes that I won’t
wear again. It feels good to leave with
less clutter left behind.
While traveling around
the US visiting many of my supporters, I stayed a few nights in Michigan and
took the time to visit my undergraduate alma mater in Hillsdale. It had been 21 years since I graduated, and
this was my first trip back. Although
the campus has changed enormously on a physical level, the ethos and philosophy
were still the same. Many of my
professors were still teaching at Hillsdale and I was able to meet with them
and catch up. Several will be retiring
soon so it was good to be able to catch them this year while they were still
there.
Just after I arrived home in Nov, I took advantage of some Michael’s coupons to get yarn for a new crochet project to keep me busy while I was home. Somehow that got set aside unfinished when I had covid and then never got started again. However, while watching the Olympics and Superbowl, I dragged it back out and managed to finish the shawl just in time. It feels good not to leave behind unfinished projects.
Intentionally enjoying
the beauty of my home in WA before I leave has meant taking several walks in
the area and taking pictures of the swans who migrate though the area each
year. Several bald eagle sightings were also
a blessing. It is good to take time to focus on what I love about Washington.
My last day at home in
the US I changed the sheets on my bed, cleaned the bathroom, vacuumed, and
generally organized and tidied my rooms upstairs. It wasn’t necessary as my parents would be
happy to have done it after I left, but again, it just feels good knowing I’m
leaving everything clean and ready for guests to use.
These seemingly little
things can have such a big impact on how well we leave. I find for me, taking the time to recognize
and focus on these little bits of leaving well relieves some of the stress of
leaving once again and allows God’s joy freer rein in my heart. It also allows me to be more present when I
am here in Mafikeng, rather than dwelling on home/the US.
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