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RHYMES AND REASONS The Pain of Parting Unpacking the personal emotions of packing up and leaving town by Greg Asimakoupoulos July 29, 2005 The time has come to say so long, but I don't know quite how. In ten short years I've put down roots. I'd love to stay. But now, a church out west has called my name. They claim that I'm their man. And though it hurts to pack and move, it seems to be God's plan. I'll miss our home and neighborhood, our church and friends and school. And though my mind has settled peace, emotions often rule. When memories come, my eyes tear up. My gut knots in a ball. To leave a place you've grown to love is like a death. That's all. And yet I know such sorrow's sweet. The pain means lives have touched, that love's been offered and returned, not seldomly, but much. This hurt's a sliver in my heart I don't want tweezered out. The ouch will help not forget a town I care about. As strange as it might seem to some, I'm grateful for the pain. It means I felt embrace by you. Perhaps you feel the same. Such sadness is a part of love for those who risk to care. It is the proof that those who reached found ways to really share. So thanks for letting me draw near to share my heart with you. And if you would, please pray for me as I begin brand new. About the Author: This week's Rhymes and Reasons poem by Greg Asimakoupoulos was written as a farewell note to the city of Naperville, Illinois where he and his family have lived for the past decade. He has just accepted the call to become senior pastor of Mercer Island Covenant Church in Mercer Island, Washington. He offers this poetic expression for general distribution in hopes it will help others in transition find words to express their feelings. This article was printed from www.partialobserver.com. Copyright © 2013 partialobserver.com. All rights reserved.