Something
Is about to give
I can feel it coming
I think I know what it is

I’m not afraid to die
I’m not afraid to live
And when I’m flat on my back
I hope to feel like I did

The words from U2’s “Kite” have, not surprisingly been going around in my head tonight as I have hung with some dear friends and members of the church family. Tonight I sleep on a mattress on the floor of my empty house; tomorrow I leave Karori and drive up to Auckland.

There will be more tears. Probably not public tears, but the gut wrenching wail from within when I’m all alone. I don’t like goodbyes.

My four years on staff at Karori have been the best years of my life. The staff team are so much more than colleagues, they are friends, sharpeners, inspirers, carers, alongsiders. The Vive crew are dear, dear friends. I said years ago that I’d happily give both kidneys for these people. I still mean it.

As I leave, I step into new opportunity. At the moment it feels expansive and daunting – a large room with the lights off.

Change is good. Auckland, watch out!

Who’s to say where the wind will take you?
Who’s to say what it is will break you?
I don’t know
Which way the wind will blow.
Who’s to know when the time has come around?
Don’t want to see you cry
I know that this is not goodbye