Silver and Gold

"Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, the other gold."


We are making a change that isn't outwardly a big deal, and it makes sense. But inwardly, at least speaking for myself, it's of epic proportions. And it's good. We're transferring our church membership to the town we now live in. I haven't attended my home church where I grew up for probably 8 years, due to moving, etc. And in all that time, we've been moving around and not quite settled down in various ways. But now, we've been in this community for over 5 years, and in this particular church for around 3 years or so. And when God nudges, then the time is right to do something. Now is the time to join with this congregation that has truly become "family."


This coming Sunday will be the day for us to be recognized as members. In an odd sense, I'm anticipating it both joyously and nervously, not unlike approaching a wedding! I got to thinking ... the Bible says that a man shall leave his father and mother, and be cleaved to his wife. There's a difference in those relationships. With family, you don't choose who you get, even thought the relationships can be strong and good. But when it comes to a mate, you choose them, in a way. So it's kind of being like that for me now, in a spiritual sense. My home church where I grew up, I have good memories of good family and friendship ties, in a beautiful spiritual setting. Now, I have "chosen" (with God's leading) a church family to commit to, and will be "cleaved" to it. I truly expect the bonds we all have already to be strengthened even more, and deeper and more blessing as time goes by. This "choice" and "commitment" thing is really opening up beautiful doors.


As I've been thinking on these things, anticipating this Sunday, I got out some old church picture directories from my home church. I enjoyed looking at all the dear, familiar faces, including my own family. These beautiful memories and relationships will still be in my life in a way, and I consider that the "gold." This church was where God put me to grow up and become established in faith, family and friendship.


Now, as I join with a "new" church family, I consider it like "silver." The people here have become so dear as well, and I anticipate much blessing as we all walk along through life in faith and fellowship. I trust the bonds formed will be even stronger and sweeter than they have already become. A choice of commitment changes things for the better sometimes. This is our home now, and I'm glad to make that joyful commitment! I treasure both my "gold" church family, and my "silver" church family. All together, it's a wonderful blessing indeed.