I think goodbyes feed our strength.
Some are heartfelt, like our poignant goodbyes to friends who move away, to colleagues upon retirement, to anything treasured that we must leave behind.
Some are healthy, like our happy goodbyes to clutter, to addictions, to anything that has a stranglehold on our freedom and vitality.
And sadly, some are sudden, like our goodbyes to loved ones in death, to financial stability in economic crises, to anything that rocks our boat of predictability and comfort.
Like it or not, our entire existence is wrapped up in cycles of goodbyes and hellos, and our ability to adjust lies in what strength we bring to the event(s).
God sees goodbyes coming from miles away, in fact, He orchestrates or at least allows them. Does He want us to be prepared? I think He does.
Whether our goodbyes are happy or sad, expected or sudden, we can often look back and see His prep along the way. If we are listening and pondering, growing and strengthening in our everyday settings, then we can embrace that often the power of goodbye drives us to newness that is more growth and strength, and points us to more heart and more hope in this earthly journey.
May we have the grace to say goodbye and the heart and hope to embrace hello.
