For almost 4 years I had the privilege & challenge of writing a weekly editorial for The Lookout, a Christian living & devotional magazine. As I ended my tenure there, the timing fell on a series we developed about Jesus' encounters with people and what we can learn from his actions and words. I enjoyed writing these last editorials. I hope you enjoy reading them. Others in this series: round 1, round 2, and round 3.

At the time I write this, tomorrow I get to see Hamilton: An American Musical with a friend and my daughter. Soon the culmination of months of anticipation will be in our grasp—and then it will be over. That’s the way life is. In the Hamilton song “One Last Time,” George Washington tells his mentee, Alexander Hamilton, that he’s stepping down as president. Though people tried to convince him to stay, he knew it was time to say goodbye and let someone else lead.

The song is running through my head because I’m writing my own goodbye. It’s time for me to step away as editor of The Lookout—time for someone else to lead.

I say goodbye to amazing coworkers, dear writers, and faithful readers such as yourself. I don’t know your face, but I know we are connected in Christ. I walk away with joy and gratitude for all The Lookout has taught me—for the words I’ve edited that have seeped into my soul, for the chance to partake in a ministry of words about God’s Word in the hopes that others would grow. I’ve grown. I hope you have too.

I leave knowing this magazine is in good hands. Assistant Editor Sheryl Overstreet remains; she has spent years of time, energy, and passion moving the magazine ever onward. You will never know all she does, but, trust me, it wouldn’t exist without her. And I welcome back Shawn McMullen, former editor of The Lookout, who takes the position again. He handed off the baton so graciously to me, and now I return the favor.

Even in departure, I look to our ultimate role model. Before his death on the cross, Jesus spent time with his dear disciples, drawing them close to give encouragement and challenge. He said, “I have chosen you out of the world” (John 15:19) to bear fruit, to testify to his name.

We are all called to bear fruit and lift high Jesus’ name. As I find new ways to minister for him, I hope you do the same. Let’s continue to love and live as disciples of Jesus, so that one day, “Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree” (Micah 4:4).

Originally published on August 13, 2017 in The Lookout.