I am borrowing the title of this post from a chapter in a book I recently finished reading for the second time. As Jan and I carry out our final preparations to move from the Inland Empire of Southern California to the Texas Panhandle my emotions are conflicted and can be described in terms of a bright sadness. I am filled with anticipation and excitement to be near my daughter and two grandsons, but I am also overwhelmed with sadness to leave this place and the people I have come to love the past 32 years.
Jan tells me she is not surprised by my feelings because change has always been hard for me. When we left Cincinnati after one year of marriage and five years of youth ministry at Bridgetown I cried so much leaving the church parking lot I almost wrecked the U-Haul truck. Nine years later when we left the Philadelphia area with 3 year old Audrey and 7 month old Rob to move to California it wasn’t any easier.
Part of me wishes I could say it will be great to get out California, but to do so would be dishonest. I think it is far better to feel some grief when you move than just relief. The 32 years we have lived in Moreno Valley and our current house is the longest either of us has lived in the same place. Going through things, and deciding what to throw away, has been an emotional roller coaster. I have more Ohio State University Buckeyes and Dallas Cowboys shirts than any one person should own!
There is a lot I am going to miss, not the least of which is the weather. Beyond that I am going to miss playing golf all year round and especially the guys I play with. I am going to miss the opportunities I have had to guest preach and those churches. I am going to miss the wonderful privilege of teaching as an adjunct professor at Hope International University: the students, the faculty, the administration, and my boss, Joe Grana, Dean of the College of Biblical Studies. I am going to miss the many friends we have made the last 32 years. Most of all I am going to miss Rob, our 32 year old son.
On the other hand, there is much I am looking forward to–most of all being close to our 6 and 2 year old grandsons. Of course it will be nice to be around their mother, our daughter Audrey, as well; but I am more excited about Bobby and Ryan. Please don’t tell Audrey I said that!
My hope is to find ways to contribute whether as a volunteer or part time employee in ministry and teaching of some kind. I’ll be looking into both hospice and hospital chaplaincy, teaching, and church work. I also plan to continue to write a weekly blog, articles for periodicals, and maybe another Bible study book. (To receive email notification of my blog posts click follow at the top of the page and enter your email address.)
I love the image Bob Russell shared from Dr. Lewis Foster “that he looked at life in terms of chapters. There comes a time to close a chapter and move into a new chapter.” Right now Jan and I are closing one chapter of our lives and getting ready to begin a new chapter. I don’t know what God has in store for us, but I trust Him and am looking forward to it. We’ll have a new home, new neighbors, new friends, new opportunities, and much more. And we’ll make new memories!
As usual for me, at this point I am hurting more thinking about what I am losing than what I am about to gain. I’m dreading the drive to Texas by myself and know I will cry a lot. (Jan is going ahead of me; please pray for both of us as we travel.) Right now my bright sadness is sadder than it is bright. Soon, however, the brightness will outshine the sadness.
Feel free to leave a reply below or send me an email at bobmmink@gmail.com and/or share this post on Facebook and other social media.
Thanks to our daughter for the permission to use the photo of our youngest grandson.
Pastor Bob Mink 
I was trying to think of some of my usual smartie pants comments to make especially when you said don’t tell Audrey. I was thinking doesn’t she read her Dad’s blog, but I can’t. You and Jan have meant so much to so many, as friends and pastor. We will miss you guys. You will forever be in our hearts. Love you guys……
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You nailed it, Bob. Having just recently moved from CA to TX (for me, after having lived my entire life in CA. And almost 30 years in Moreno Valley) your post certainly resonates with what Orv and I have experienced. It was and has been extremely hard to leave family and friends in CA (yes we have cried a lot) but God is faithful (I know you know that) and he has opened so many doors for us to serve and worship as part of a wonderful church body here.
The good news is after our trip to CA for Thanksgiving we were surprised to realize that already TX feels like home. Arriving back at our house yesterday, as we walked through the door, we were filled with such a sense of gratitude and feeling of home.
I am confident that God has work for you during this next “chapter” of your life. Orv and I will be praying for your travels and for both you and Jan during this period of transition.
We love you both and are grateful for the impact that you have had on our lives.
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“Happy Trails to you….. praying God’s holy hedge of angels protects and surrounds you on your trip and that this new chapter in your lives is filled with great joy and excitement as what God has planned for you! May your sadness be filled with great joy and know that you are all in our prayers and hearts and will always be our Pastor Bob and saint above saints Jan…….PS: what date is the move??
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Hi Bob â
Very well said. I feel and I can relate to your Bright Sadness. Any chance you are available to meet me for breakfast or lunch in the MV area before you and Jan depart?
Please let me know.
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Michael Blanchard
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mblanchard@bk-electric.com
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We will miss you, Pastor Bob!!!
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Bob, Is it ok to say I am happy for you but sad for Alise and I? Even though you do not pastor at Discovery any longer, you are still MY pastor. The many sermons I heard from the pulpit, it was like you knew me and what I needed to hear. I know that was the Holy Spirit speaking but YOU delivered the message. You and Jan moving makes it final and I would be lying if I did not say I am sad. I know that God will use both of you in your new hometown. And who can deny the joy of being close to family and especially grandkids! (we have 5). Good luck and go in peace with Gods blessing.
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I have to admit, I’m a bit envious that you get to move out of CA. I hope the same for Jimmy and I someday in the future. I can understand the sadness and I know I’d have that same sense of sadness and anxiety over the change but I believe whole heartedly that this is His plan for you and Jan. Everything has fallen into place beautifully. I’m going to miss you and I’ll be a bit sad not knowing your not so close even though I don’t see you often. You’re always still in my ❤️. You’re loved Pastor Bob! Praying for Gods traveling mercies on you both and His abundant blessings poured out on you all!
P.s. Thankful for this blog and Facebook; we can all keep track of you!
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This is an exciting time for you two! Leaving California was bittersweet for me. I think it is very true that if we only focus on what/who we will be missing by leaving, we will wallow in bitterness. If we look towards the future, rather than the past, there is renewed hope and excitement. Living in a new state after all these years will be a “culture shock” for a while. I am looking forward to reading more, Pastor Bob!
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Pastor Bob you will be missed more than you can imaging, I can not thank you enough for how you have touch my life and changed my life with your teachings. I was angry with you when you stepped down because I felt lost, little at a time I understood that I was selfish and that you deserve retirement.
However, something I need to share with you because it has always been close to my heart but never the right time to mention. When I first came to Discovery someone pointed Jan out to me and introduced her as your wife and explained to me that she is the silent backbone of the church.Nothing could be more true than this statement. I did not have to many interactings with Jan but knew in my heart if I get in a position of help that she would be there, Jan is a woman that I truly look up to. In the military the have a saying” some wives wear their husbands rank” Jan did not need any rank but is very respected and loved by me and many others. I am really happy for Jan that she can be with the grandchildren but I will miss her too. Closing this statement with one crying eye and one laughing eye,I wish you all the best and keep you guys in my prayers.
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I am so happy for you and Jan Bob but we will miss you! Thanks for all you have done while you were here in Moreno Valley you have touched so many people and have helped us all learn so much more about God. I always loved how you have been down to earth putting everythi g in a perspective that we could all understand and use in our lives. Love you guys safe travels!!
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So happy for you both! But I will admit that I am also very sad that you are leaving Mo-Val. Thank you both for ALL your sacrifice and dedication to Discovery through out the years! You will be missed. Lifting you both up in prayer! May the good Lord guide and protect you both always. Enjoy those grand babies!! Art&Maria Vasquez
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Wow! Everyone has said exactly what I have been feeling. Sadness, an emptiness that you will both be gone. Even though you are not the pastor of Discovery I echo everyone else that you are still MY pastor and always will be. Just knowing you were both in town, gave me comfort. But I am happy that you get to be with your grand babies! What joy! I’m glad I will still be able to “be” with you through your blog’s. Many blessings to you both!! I love you both so much. Thank you for being part of my life for these past 30+ uears. 😘
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Pastor Bob, I’ll miss you, I just wanted to thank you for being my pastor that I needed to help me get head and heart back on the right track with my God. You and Jan will be missed.
We are excited for you and your new adventure. Those little boys and Audrey are very blessed to have you so close. May God bless you and keep you safe in your travels.
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