My last Sunday...

I woke up this morning and was immediately aware that this was my last Sunday morning here in this house.
I was aware of the beautiful day arriving, the sunshine fingering its way to the ground through the left over rain clouds, the Lack of wind, and the sound of people playing softball at the neighboring park.
It is shaping up to be a perfect day.
I will miss this place. It has been home for nearly 13 years. I didn't much like this town when I first moved here. We came in winter and it was bitterly cold, windy, and dreary... for months on end. But I adaped and with time have grown to love it. At least I love six months out of the year. The other six I tolerate.
I am looking forward to going to Mass this morning. I love the way we celebrate Eucharist here. The feeling of community is strong and I feel very connected to the people here. They have become my family. Leaving them is one of the most difficult things I have had to do. However, I have grown and learned so much and I know it is time for me to move on, time to go to some place new and see what there is for me to learn there. And it is also tiime for me to go and share what I have learned.
Interestingly enough it has been roughly nine months since I first knew we were to be leaving this home and moving to a new one. And I have found this transition period to much like the gestation period of waiting for a new baby. I am ready to 'give birth' to this new life. I am still nervous, scared, fearful, but also anxious, excited and just ready!
So here in a few minutes I will awaken the gang and we will go and celebrate liturgy as best we can and then come home and pack.
Next Sunday.... only God knows what is in store for us. It's a new adventure!