As news spread of Dr. Smith’s impending departure, many of
us experienced a confusion of emotions: shock, anger, fear, sorrow.
We felt like a people in crisis. By now we're over the shock.
The anger was directed not so much at Dr. Smith but at the situation: not as wrenching, but akin to the anger one can feel toward a loved one who suddenly and unexpectedly passes away. We’re getting over that, as well.
The fear we feel when facing an unknown future often looks overblown in hindsight. Undoubtedly this fear will, too.
That leaves us with our sorrow at losing not only a good friend, but an insightful leader. Many of us saw Dr. Smith as our best chance for growing our church. We need to rethink that.
Interestingly, the Chinese character for “crisis” is a combination of the characters for “danger” and “opportunity.” We know the danger, but what’s the opportunity in this situation?
Perhaps it’s to realize that ensuring a vital future for Emmanuel is not a burden to be shouldered by one man, even one as talented as Dr. Smith. It’s a weight we should all bear together.
Emmanuel is unique. We have an extraordinary collection of smart, talented, creative, caring individuals with a vast diversity of experience and thought. That’s probably why we enjoy one another’s company so much.
We should each make it our goal to share our talents, ideas and energy with each other, our vestry and our new priest.
- a parishioner
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