After a wonderful vacation to South Africa with family, it came time to say goodbye and part ways. Standing there at the airport for one last hug, I tried my best to not think about it and to simply focus on connecting to our next flight. My daughter looked up at me with a sad puppy dog face and tears in her eyes and without saying a thing, I understood.
There are so many times when we have to say goodbye to people in life – whether we move, or they move, or perhaps a season ends and with it familiarity in friendships. About ten years ago, my friend’s mother told her that different friendships are for different seasons in your life. At the time, I didn’t understand that. However, after many moves and years, I finally get it.
Our life is made up of seasons, and in those seasons it seems that God brings into our circles different people. We hang out with certain people more and in those moments it can be intended, purposeful and such a blessing of comfort. But as months and years go by, we find ourselves spending less and less time together. It doesn’t mean we don’t like them, or we are not friends with them anymore, it just seems that life drifts us slowly apart. I don’t like those moments, but my friend’s Momma was right.
Saying goodbye is hard, there is no doubt. But a bigger truth than that is – God knows all of our seasons.
There in the airport, waiting for our next flight, I had an internal talk with God about this. In the picture in my head, Jesus and I stood and walked hand in hand. We were walking down a path or walking down a road; it didn’t matter which one, we were walking together.
As we walked, I looked up at Him and said, “Don’t go.” He stopped walking and turned to me and said, “You will never have to say bye to me.” I got choked up and at the same time, a wave of relief came over me. Having Jesus in our lives means we never have to say goodbye to Him.
In life we will have to say goodbye to many people, friends, acquaintances, family members, some by permission and when there is a loss, it is without our permission. But as Proverbs 18:24 says, “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Our Lord – Jesus, to whom we never have to say goodbye.
He will always walk with us, whether the road is ugly and dark, or bright, predictable and sunny – He will be there, hand in hand with His love, comfort, grace and provision. Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Every day, every moment, you can know that Jesus is there. He sees everything and understands all of our feelings, emotions and life situations. He gets it. He understands.
Whatever you are going through today, may the God of comfort, our Lord Jesus, squeeze your hand a little tighter and comfort your heart today.
Enjoy this encouraging song by Amanda Cook – Shepherd (from her album – Brave New World)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVjedGudN8w
Be Blessed & Be a Blessing,
