Submitted by Pastor Bill Hargis, Rock Port and Watson United Methodist Churches

My wife’s brother used to live with her in California, before he decided to go on “life’s great adventure.” With nothing but his clothes, his best friend, and (Cher learned later) her credit card, they left California to go…? We learned later, through bank statements, life led them to Alaska. I have often wondered, where would life had sent him if he hadn’t had his sister’s credit card? My guess would be to his room!

For 30 plus years now, “Off on life’s great adventure,” has become an inside joke, as well as a motto for Cher and I. Our first life adventure as a couple was our first home. We bought, I believe, the first trailer house ever built. But it had a big oak porch and a natural stone fireplace, as well as electrical problems, water problems, leaking roof, cracks in the corners that offered spectacular views of the great outdoors, and apparently, a black hole that transported expanding foam insulation to a different dimension, where today, it is still floating around in a dark void.

Cher and I have had plenty, and we have pulled the back seat out of the car looking for change. We have moved six times, ranging from a one bedroom apartment to a 240-acre farm. We have faced all of life’s great adventures together: health scares, loss, hurt, doubt, and fear, as well as the love, joy, calm, peace, and mercy that God extends to every one of us.

When I first told Cher I felt I was being called to ministry, we both understood and agreed, moving was probably inevitable and we would go where God sent us. Because of this, Proverbs 3:5, has special meaning for me. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight (NRSV). Now, for the past two months, another Proverb has come to mind, Proverbs 19:21, “We may make a lot of plans, but the Lord will do what He has decided.” (CEV). I learned many years ago folks, if God sends you to do something, your best plan of action is, borrowing from Nike, “JUST DO IT.”

I am sad to say this is my final On the Spiritual Side column, but I’m also excited to say, God is sending Cher and I off on another of life’s great adventures. Effective July 1, I will be the pastor of First United Methodist Church in West Plains, Missouri.

Rock Port (and Atchison County) has been home for two years, and I have learned a few things. Our 240 acre farm, which was considered good sized in Bolivar, would be considered a nuisance plot in Atchison County. I’ve also learned you can have a fish fry for the neighborhood with one fish, popcorn is really good, and a golf cart is a necessity. One more thing, a snowblower beats a shovel any day.

I’ve also learned love of community is not a catch phrase, it is a way of life. I shared with friends and family how Main Street is closed for the school homecoming rally. Again, how the street is closed for our Old-Fashioned Saturday Night in September; and how we all come together for community worship, putting denominations second and God first.

Cher and I are going to miss the slower, easier pace of life here. We’re going to miss the community’s connectiveness. We’re going to miss all of you. But thanks to technology, we can still stay connected. We both truly appreciate the love, the prayers, and the encouragement this community has shown us for the last two years, and we are especially grateful for your support at this time. You will always have a special place in our hearts, and a fondness in our voices as we tell others about Atchison County.

One last thing folks, we love you all, and there is nothing you can do about it. Pastor Bill & Cher