Today it became real.

Today it became real.

My partner-in-crime stood in front of our church family this morning and announced his departure.
Packed up his office and shredded old documents.

From church ministry back into the classroom full-time.

I've known for some time now about him leaving. Yet with every passing day- I swallowed a little harder, tried not to cry (to much), and hope that this day would never come. He is one person I prayed would never disappear from my life because he's played such a supportive role in who I've become.

He has been my youth pastor, friend, mentor, father figure, coworker, and most importantly someone I've actually trusted with anything. We are a lot alike and spending almost 11 years interacting may have something to do with that. I've picked up a lot of his quirks, sense of humor, and habits (good&bad). He's taught me so much about ministry, sports, and life in general (probably math, spelling, & grammar too). I've learned a lot of important life lessons from him. He has shown me what it's like to be a part of a family who loves/cares for each other - one that takes time to support those they love. He's been a superb example of what a Godly father and man should look like. 

11 years ago,  never would I have thought that this man would become such a big part of my life. He actually scared me -as most people did. He taught me things he probably has no idea he ever did. He taught me to be brave. To take chances. Give people a 2nd (maybe even a 3rd or 4th) chance no matter how badly they hurt you. He taught me how to trust. That life wont always be easy. Trust God wholeheartedly. Obey God and His plan for your life will be evident -may not always be what you expected. He never hesitated to make sure I knew how talented and gifted God created me. That I knew God gave me a purpose, even when life feels empty and pointless.

Yet over the past 11 years, the most important thing he's instilled in me, is that I was merely loved. Loved even when I screwed up or let him down. Loved in the most innocent, pure, Godly way -just as I loved him in return. ** 

**A lot of people don't get it -they never have. They've placed their own judgement and assumptions on our friendship (relationship) over the years. Yet if I were to look at their lives they've had someone who's in fact played such a role in their life, as He has in my life. Wasn't worth fighting with others, because our friendship was just that, a friendship.

Saying goodbye; This isn't gunna be easy.
My world is going to be a little darker, a little less joyful, and disheartening as I learn to manage without him by my side. It been a struggle the past few weeks as he hasn't been around as he is trying to get things in order to teach again. While it is sad, I know he is doing something that brings him joy. That's been one thing I've tried to hold to - When you love someone, you want them to be happy. He lights up when we have conversations about this opportunity. It's not something he sought out either. This opportunity was placed before him by God and God alone. So while I'm mad, sad, crushed I know he is obeying the call God has placed on him...and I have to be okay with that. He is going to be happy. He's going to be doing something he loves, living out his dream (again)-one that was stripped from him in such a unjust way.

One thing I can say for sure: God has proven faithful in the events of Mark's life