He Gives and Takes Posted August 01, 2010 by Aaron Story

One thing the Lord has been reminding me with personal examples the last couple months is the coming and going seasons of life. Do you never know if you are coming or going too? While that may be true for many of us, that isn't what I'm referring to!  

While with financial resources this is evident and true, I am talking about people and  our relationships together. The coming and going of people, in and out of our lives. People whom have been in your life that you thought would be with you forever that just didn't end up that way. And then those occasional blessings of special people that the Lord brought into your life at a surprising time. And how sweet that is?  

In an urban church, one of our realities is thereality of the giving and taking away of people. The city itself is full of transitions and people whose lives are transient. Many people transition out and others transition in by the thousands each month.

The ebbs and flows of out city impact our relationships within Indy Metro as well. This reality grieves me as a pastor often. While it's unavoidable, it can be very painful to see people you've invested in and built relationships with leave "too soon!" People the Lord often brings for a short season, whom we wanted to be in our lives for a life time. There are people the Lord transitions with moves, job transfers, school changes, etc. People whom we love and care about who've been woven into the fabric of Indy Metro.

Whether it's coming or going, giving or taking, let us not forget the Lord of everything! Consider Job 1:21, "And said:  "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." A short passage which has such personal implications.

The reality is nearly all of us have experienced this confusing reality of life in our relationships. This isn't a post that I will suggest a simple and happy ending each time. Truth be told, if we're honest, there are times when relationships change which were a big surprise and require us to wrestle through whether or not we want to go through all of the work to invest in new relationships.

And yet, over this summer both our Metro 101's were full of new people  looking to build relationships and connect at Indy Metro. Even on Sunday's (like many of you I'm sure) I've met many people who are loving the Lord brought them to Indy Metro. Many new people are genuinely looking to connect deeper, serve together, and make an impact in the city.

Clearly our challenge is to love and invest in one another  learning to trust in the Lord's broader plan of giving and taking! So grateful to be building relationships and wrestling through the giving and taking away with you.

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