I write this on my 11th wedding anniversary. Kind of a weird day. I'm not exactly celebrating. I didn't celebrate twelve months ago either. It was clear then what was coming. And now it's arrived.
You may be wondering why I haven't updated this sermon blog in almost two months. You may be wondering why I've been somewhat evasive on Facebook or in person about my personal life. You may be wondering why I've scrubbed said Facebook page of nearly every reference to Sarah.
Sarah and I are separating. Our marriage is over.
We made this decision together. As I imply above, it's been inevitable for a while now. We're just not working out. Relationships are hard enough. But we've had to deal with financial struggle, medical issues, car accidents, disability, and plenty of mistakes along the way. We've truly had everything but the kitchen sink thrown at us. And we did not endure to come out the other side like some Hallmark Channel movie. Not many do who've been through what we have.
In less than two weeks, I'm moving to a new apartment in York, PA. Right downtown, less than one block from the square. Looking forward to the move. It should be the beginning of an exciting chapter in my life. I'm hoping to embrace the city life: the cafes, the theater, the craft beer pubs, the restaurants, the baseball stadium, the market, all soon to be within walking distance of my house.
My professional life will not change. I'm still pastor of Grace and Canadochly. In fact, I'll be within walking distance of Grace also in the new place and no farther from Canadochly than I am now.
As for what Sarah is doing, I am uncertain. I know that she too is moving, since neither of us chose to renew the lease on the townhouse here in Red Lion. I know that she has boxes packed and loaded up throughout the townhouse. I know she wants to keep Emily in the same school district. Other than that, I don't know much else. I do know we are trying to keep things civil and amicable. I know I hope to remain friends with this woman with whom I've spent the last 13-14 years of my life. I know I want to remain a part of Emily's life. On all those things, we shall see.
Right now, my focus is on getting my life sorted into the new place and new circumstances. Hence, the sermon blog has been on hiatus for a while, but that should change in the near future.
I am hoping to get the new apartment up and running quickly. I want it to be a social hub for my friends here in the York area. I've got one of the best groups of gaming geek friends that I've ever had, one to rival the group from Virginia Tech. And if any of those VT friends want to take a trip to visit, the door will be open. You'll fit in with the York nerds just fine. (I promise I won't kill any PCs in the first round of combat. RE: Greg.)
Wish me luck in these coming months. It's a bittersweet moment. There are times when I'm angry and sad. Other times when I'm hopeful and excited. Mix of both. But life is about change and mine is about to change big time.
God bless
Allen
