Endings can be sad. Your son calls you unexpectedly from college and wants nothing more than to tell you about his studies and his new girlfriend, and you're sad when the call has to end. Or you attend the symphony and are swept up by the glorious music and are very sorry when the finale comes. But of course, those are temporary endings.

 

Other endings are much more permanent. I just retired from seminary teaching after forty years of classroom work. While the newfound freedom and release from duty are pleasant, I am a little sad not to be able any more to watch students grow in their faith and learning, in all of their eagerness and questioning. I'm sure you must have similar sad feelings when you retire too and no longer have the challenge and satisfaction of accomplishment and the dail…