last goodbyes

I just finished one of the more meaningful nights of my life.

My last day at Studio North was Friday. Friday evening I ended up being the last to leave. I packed my stuff collected in drawers and spread on my desk, took a few digital photos, turned off the lights, lowered the blinds near my desk, set the alarm and left.

It felt like the last moment of the last episode of some great sitcom. But it was just me in an empty place.

Yesterday and today I spent with some great friends. The best years of my life so far were spent serving at Willow Creek Community Church as part of a group of friends that I will hold close to my heart forever.

Nancy and I left Colorado in 1997 so I could be an intern for 2 years. 7 years later, I'm spending my last night here. Yesterday and today were great. Lots of hugs, laughs and sharing memories. Most of my time this weekend has been spent with Jill and Eve. Friends Mindy and Aimee were around a lot, too. And the person I served closest with, Jackie, and her husband Mark came later this evening and spent some nice time with us.

The last 3 hours were spent on top of one of the dorms at North Park University in Chicago. We drug out some couches, and sat and watched 100 fireworks displays all over the city and suburbs from the best seat in town. The air was warm and moist with enough breeze to make it very nice. Some of my closest friends were there to make the night perfect, and to say goodbye the best way possible.

Thanks guys.