"Thank you for being my friend. Knowing you has been worth the pain of saying goodbye."
It's hard to remember that these goodbyes are probably not forever, even from an earthly standpoint. And even if they are, we're going to have forever together in heaven.
The more often I have to say goodbye to someone, the more my broken heart longs for heaven. The more it hurts when someone has to leave, the more I love my Savior who will always be with me.
Isn't it wonderful, how the command to go and preach the gospel is book-ended by a proclamation of how powerful Jesus is and a promise that He will be with us, even unto the end of the age?
"The world needs you to be a witness more than I need you. I'll miss you immensely, but it is selfish of me to want you to stay."
I don't just want to let them go. I want to send them out.
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off." -Acts 13:2-3
After all... if I wouldn't hold back my time, money, or life from God's plan, why should I seek to hold back my friends?
Goodbyes hurt... love hurts... but my God is so much bigger than... everything. Praise God He's always there.
"Do I wish to turn back? Oh Shepherd, to whom would I go? In all this world I have no one but You. Help me to follow You, even though it seems impossible. Help me to trust You as much as I long to love You." ~ Much-Afraid; "Hinds Feet on High Places"
Goodbyes have been in my mind/life in the past couple weeks too. It seems that this life is just a series of goodbyes. But Heaven will be only hellos. Thanks for putting it all in perspective for me, Rachel.
ReplyDeleteIndeed~ praise God He's always there, He never ever leaves.
Love you <3
not crying, not crying....
ReplyDeletepowerful words, rach. I love you, and I'll try to remember all this after you head off.