@ both Strider and Jonna since if I were to post two farewell speeches, it would probably be redundant.
Everyone else went ahead and wrote eloquent speeches saying farewell, so I guess Iâd better hop on the bandwagon. :P
As saddened by this as I am, I understand and respect your reasons for leaving. After all, I left the LMBs for the similar reason that they were overtaking my life and I needed to step away from them.
Eventually I returned after I got my priorities straightened out, and now I am moderately active in KotOS without letting it get before God or my family. I hope that in time you might be able to do the same, even if it be years from now when you're old geezers. (Preferably before then though. :P)
Once God is foremost in your life, I donât believe you have to give up KotOS, as long as it does not encroach upon God as your number one priority. You could argue that 1 Corinthians 13:11 means that you have to give up childish entertainment, but the context seems to indicate that it is referring to childish attitudes instead. The preceding verses describe how the pursuit knowledge and other things that appear impressive is inferior to a loving attitude love, implying that verse 11 is an analogy for giving up the childish pursuit of knowledge for the mature showing of love. (Note that Paul doesnât say, âgive up childish thingsâ as an instruction. He says âI gave up childish thingsâ as an analogy.)
But I digress. This is a farewell speech, not a sermon. :P
While I hope that you eventually return after stepping away from KotOS, if you donât, I will content myself with treasuring the writing you have already created.
I have the utmost respect for both of you. You encouraged me in my writing, riveted me with yours, made me laugh with your roleplay and comedy, all while doing the same for everyone else.
I am extremely lucky to have had you guys as friends for as long as I have, so I canât complain now that you have to step away.
See ya âround.
-N_B
P.S. For me too, KotOS are my longest-running friends. And Iâm proud of it. :P