We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose...neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:28,37-39)

There is a wonderful book by a psychoanalyst, Judith Viorst, that she called Necessary Losses. Going through our life in stages, Dr. Viorst explains how we must cope with the losses we experience, from childhood to our old age. How successfully we deal with those losses determine, in large measure, our mental health. But rather than looking at losses as "unfortunately unavoidable," she demonstrates how losses are, in fact, necessary for us in order to develop into mature, healthy adults.

This book comes to mind when reflecting upon Dr. Robert L. Harvey's announcement of his retirement this past week. Dr. Harvey has been Senior Minister, First Baptist Church of Westfield, New Jersey - the church who started this eDevotions ministry - for more than 21 years. First Baptist has been blessed beyond measure by his service these past two decades.

Losing a long-term beloved pastor through retirement, or any other cause, is a great loss. For the emotional attachment, the spiritual dependence, the feeling of stability that exists between a committed Christian and his or her minister may approach the strength of the bonds between parent and child, or between spouses. And when that relationship comes to an end we are cast down and cut adrift.

When we experience loss, we go through a grieving process. It is important that we not stifle our emotions, try to act just bravely, or hide our tears. Then, after we have raged or cried or experienced shock, we can slowly get to the difficult task before us - to use all that has gone before to shape us into something new and better than we used to be. That is the point of Necessary Losses and it is so compatible with our biblical faith.

One of Dr. Harvey's great strengths is his willingness, in fact his mission, to equip others with the skills of ministry. There is no wonder that there has been many ordinations under his tutelage. Now is the time for our congregation to utilize those ministerial skills in order that we may come through the grieving process of this loss even more committed to being the very body of Christ.

Lord, when we experience loss, and have raged and cried, open us anew to leadings of your Spirit and convict us afresh to discipleship in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.