It is time to say good bye to ECS …..for now.   A new year of seminary classes has already started.  Fishing on a Saturday with J and the residents of Downtown Safe Haven have been replaced with courses on the prophets, church history, Anglicanism and ethics.   Tuesday nights reflecting with G on what I had just experienced whilst helping with a DUI group have been replaced with reading and Thursday night shared meals and conversation at DTSH have been replaced with writing school papers.

On one hand so many things have changed.   But the work of ECS’s ACCORD program continues.   The residents of DTSH still continue to try and do the best they can in the world.

One thing for sure is that I have changed.    My placement with ECS was much more than just a placement.   It was never a case of simply racking up two hundred hours.   I am reminded of the words of Proverbs

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Proverbs 11:24-25

I truly am richer, enriched and watered.  I am transformed.  With so many good experiences it is on one hand hard to let go.  But that very same struggle is made easier when I ask myself what should I do with the transformation that I have experienced?

Like a house built on rock and not on sand, I will use that transformation as a foundation from which to further build on.   The passion in my heart for service beats stronger now than ever before.

I bow my head to God in prayer, and place my future in His hands.  I know I will spend more time with ECS at some stage in the future, but for now, for a brief time, it’s time to let go.