This Thursday I had to do something I really didn’t want to do: I had to say goodbye to 2 people who have become a hugely significant part of my life. Of course, I’m not expecting this to be a goodbye, but rather a transition to a new phase, a long distance phase, of our friendship. But I’m really going to miss getting to do all the fun things we’ve done together, and just getting to share life together.
We’ve laughed a huge amount, introduced them to Surrey life (apparently, Latin reading competitions, Greek camp and your parents attending the queen’s cocktail party are not “standard” experiences), shown them the importance of avocados and halloumi in most meals and generally had a lot of fun together. And we’ve all learnt a lot from them as well. So, while these 2 wonderful people are very much on my mind, I’ve pulled together some greatest hits from what I’ve learnt through spending time with Michael and Amy, my favourite Northern Irish couple!
Candles, photos and a warm smile really make a home
When Michael first moved into his flat, we enjoyed going to visit, but there was definitely something missing. The first time we visited after Amy had moved in, we discovered that while Michael might have some really cool Lord of the Rings stuff, Amy has the ability to turn any space into a home. Candles, photos, memories, beautiful and tasteful décor – Amy nailed it all and added a wonderful, welcoming, warm smile that made us all feel instantly at home and like we never wanted to leave (sorry if we ever outstayed our welcome!). Then add in home-baked goodies, Irish stew or a nice cup of tea (just don’t get Michael to make it as you might not end up with the tea you asked for) and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect, chilled out evening.
The best conversations are those when your friends and God are both joining in
Michael and Amy have led lots of wonderful house group sessions over the past 2.5 years, but some of the most memorable ones have been the times when they have created the space and opportunity to talk to God together. They’ve taken us out of our comfort zones, raised our expectations and then left God to deliver – and it’s worked, every time. We’ve grown so much as a house group through spending time in small groups talking to God, hearing what he has to say to each of us.
Criticism can be encouraging
Getting to practise before worship with Amy and Michael was eye-opening. Michael arrived at our church and was a big hit pretty instantly, with his amazing music skills – he could do no wrong! Until Amy arrived and sometimes joined his band… She told Michael when he could do better, and challenged him often. I’m a people pleaser, and struggle with confrontation – from Amy, I received a masterclass in how to help someone you love get even better, while being uplifting and encouraging.
Worship can be anything, anywhere
We’ve had some awesome worship evenings with Michael and Amy. My favourite was an awe-inspiring night, during a thunderstorm, last summer – we had planned to worship outside as there were quite a few of us, and despite the impending storm, we headed out to the Philip’s Memorial and worshiped under the cover there. We took a lantern, Michael played his guitar, and we crowded round and praised God – never have I been able to feel the words “the sound of heaven touching earth” so clearly.
But more than that, Michael and Amy have shown us that worship can be in how you love your partner, in how you support your friends, in how you make an effort to do right by others or how you spend your time. Basically, they live life worshipping God, and that is just so inspiring.
Our church and our house group have learnt so much from these two, and we’re all pretty upset to see them go. But we also know that they’re heading off to worship God somewhere else, to teach other people how to live life for God. So we’re going to keep the lessons they taught us close to our hearts, and try to share them with others. And we’re going to miss them like crazy, spend holidays in Northern Ireland, and pester them until they come and visit us!