Goodbyes...

  “Goodbyes” - pertinent, I think. How do you respond to the 'condition' of goodbye? Goodbye is not always an easy or simple act. But sometimes, maybe, just maybe, when we put it in context it is or can become a moment of ... not necessarily joy or happiness, but understanding and even acceptance... and closure.

  The context is - seasons. A new (different) season is upon all of us, which often occasions a change and a goodbye. No one is exempt. I suspect that we all sense a certain restlessness in our spirit as if a significant change is about to burst forth. We may not always know the what and when of the change, but we know something is about to 'spring forth'. And it is our choice as to how we respond. We can be petulant and not welcome the upcoming unknown and stick our foot on the line and refuse to move. Or we can become excited and expectant and rush forward without checking. Actually, though the attitude of the latter is preferred, neither approach is effective. Surely there is something we can, should do and be? Our safety net is prayer: about moving forward and following the Lord's plans for the future.

  Goodbye is not a final act for those who call themselves, Christian, but it does close the chapter AND leads us into the next chapter/season. Sometimes a new season is thrust upon us without our choice but definitely ours to steward. Not the point. The Lord never calls us to something that we cannot accomplish... as long as we do this with Him. Nor will He lead us into danger, temptation, or a condition of unpreparedness. Pulse check is - are you ignoring, walking, or running into the new season. Don’t - you may be missing what's around you that you will need/want in this next great adventure. So – stop, look, pray, and move onward. 

  Goodbyes are a fact of life because life is continually changing and we end up being extremely mobile. The new, the different, the unexpected (?) can be a time for us to grow, learn new aspects of who we are and what we are called to be and do. I would suggest that we don't 'fight' the change but that we embrace it in order to continue our life's journey. Others continue to be important and now you have new opportunities. Don't dig your heels in - sand really doesn't taste good.

[Note: Though edited, this was the article I submitted for the church's monthly newsletter. It was occasioned by the resignation of the current pastor. However, the theme has broader implications so I thought I'd also share it as a post.]