Goodbye's are a necessary part of ministry. We are so blessed to be in a time in life where we can stay connected better then those who went before us could. Never-the-less Facebook hugs aren't the same as real hugs and goodbye's are still hard.
"Goodbye" means not seeing your church family on Sunday.
"Goodbye" means not being with family at Christmas.
"Goodbye" means not being able to hang out with the gang you used to hang out and laugh with till late at night.
"Goodbye" means your niece probably wont remember you when you return.
"Goodbye" means we will miss out on watching our friends develop relationships and get married while we are gone.
"Goodbye" means I can't be around when my best friend has her first child.
"Goodbye" means we never know who will be around when we return, so we have to treat each goodbye like it may be our last... at least on earth.
We can have great comfort and peace in the midst of all the goodbyes. For many goodbyes, we have the assurance that we will see them again. There is also a huge comfort in knowing that the same God who is guarding and watching us, will be guarding and watching those we leave behind. He is sovereign and in control of their lives, and all those life changes we may miss out on or catch us off guard are all part of His plan.
I am so excited that one day we wont have to say goodbyes anymore! Until that day however, the goodbyes that are said will be said in the knowledge that He is in complete control.
2 Cor. 3:11
For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.
Praying for you guys these days...
ReplyDeleteThis literally brought me to tears. It is all true. Knowing that we cannot just hop over if you need us will be hard. Goodbyes are hard on both sides. Praying for you both as you start your new journey.
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