by Steve Higginbotham
We tend to measure life in “milestones.” These milestones usually center around the beginning of something like having a family, or the completion of something like when we celebrate anniversaries. And even when we celebrate anniversaries, some of them have greater significance than others, such as 25 and 50. But as I write this article, I’m thinking of the significance of “five.” You see, June 1 will mark the completion of five years of work with you here at Karns.
For those who don’t know the story, I had actually asked the elders to withdraw my name from consideration for the job. You see, I had a son who was about to graduate, and I didn’t want to force him to graduate at a new and unfamiliar school. However, this is when I was first introduced to the graciousness of our elders. They informed me that they understood and were willing to wait an entire school year (eight months) before we needed to come to Karns. Not many elders and not many congregations would be so patient.
Since that introduction to the elders and to the congregation, we’ve learned more and experienced the depths of your graciousness. I cannot begin to tell all of you how much you have meant to Kim, our children, and me. Moving is a scary thing. The familiar is comfortable and safe, but how glad we are that we gave up the familiar and comfortable to venture out into the unfamiliar!
So, while “5” may not be nearly as significant as “25” or “50,” to my family and me, we consider it a valued milestone in our lives. So please accept our attempt to simply say “thank you” for letting us be a part of this church family.