We usually do a pretty good job of recognizing firsts.

We look forward to our child saying her first words and taking her first steps. We take pictures of first haircuts and first cars.

We never forget our first kiss.

But last things can slip by unnoticed.

As a child grows up there will come a time when she won’t need to have a book read to her. One day she won’t need to be tucked in and kissed goodnight.

We used to take big family road trips as our boys were growing up. If we came upon a particularly spectacular sight, I’d tell the boys, “Take a picture in your mind.” We never knew if we would pass that way again.

Of course, we often miss last things because we often don’t know when we’re doing something for the last time. So when we do know when a last thing is coming up, we should pay special attention.

Six months ago, Jana and I announced our retirement, and we’ve been doing our best to be ready for our last Sunday with you. We keep looking around and “taking pictures” of our friends and of this beautiful place. We know what a great privilege it has been to serve with you at First Church.  

Taking note of last things isn’t just about sentiment. It’s also about remembering and celebrating what God has done through us together. And the more we celebrate God’s faithfulness to us, the better we grasp the truth that God is not done with us.

Jana and I look forward to this next chapter in our lives together.

We look forward to the great things God will do through our wonderful friends at First Presbyterian Church.