Sometimes we are forced to say goodbye after a delightful vacation. We just don't want the fun to end. We will miss those we love ... miss the busy yet relaxing mode we got to enjoy ... we just aren't quite ready to go back to what is considered "normal life" (normal in the loosest of terms).
Then there are times when the goodbyes really hurt because you know that your entire world will never quite be the same. The death of a loved one (I know, I know, if you're both Christians there is hope that we will see them again), the loss of that pet who is really a part of your family, or a miscarriage ... these can all be extremely devastating.
Goodbyes can also be found in the loss of a home ... loss of a job ... a broken relationship or friendship.
However, there are times when goodbyes are necessary for healing. Those goodbyes are good things but no less painful, trust me! It's better to be alone than to be with the wrong person. It's okay to walk away from people who cut you down so far that you're nearly unrecognizable as the prince/princess that God created. Addictions that have a hold on you, people who manipulate, jobs that cause you to do things you know God wouldn't want you to do ... those are all things that are good to let go of.
I will tell you a little secret (if you promise not to keep it) ... God won't take something away from you without giving you something better in return. I believe that ... I don't understand some of it but I believe it.
We lost our home during Hurricane Charley. It was an older mobile home ... a family of 5 plus one dog, all living in one bedroom. We were devastated by the loss ... yet God gave us a brand new home with 4 bedrooms. I remember when we first walked inside. The kids all ran and sat in their closets until I explained they got to have the whole room!
My (ex)husband lost his job. That was a sudden fear but somehow it just worked out. He was able to help homeschool our children and we were able to see how God always provides.
I suddenly lost the marriage that I imagined I would have "till death us do part". As my world came crashing down it wasn't always to see but God had rescued my children from years of abuse that I didn't realize was happening. He provided loving family who rushed to our side. He had already surrounded us with a support team to support us and encourage us. God knew what was going to happen and he made sure that everyone and everything was in place to be His arms to catch us when we fell. One of the best things He did was to provide me with a Christian counselor who could help me see the years of manipulation and he helped to pull me out of that vicious cycle. I am happier than I have ever been ... I feel free, content, stronger than I've ever felt ... and victorious!
This next one is the reason I struggle a little with the fact that God gives something better ... I have yet to discover "why" my sweet Mama passed away. Cancer stinks! We felt angry when every single appointment only brought more bad news. The knowledge of the misdiagnosis left us reeling. However, if my Mama taught me one thing, it was to see the good. On this journey she would've never chosen for herself, there was some good. She was used by God. She handled every piece of news with grace ... and without complaint. When she learned the cancer had now invaded her lungs, her response: "Praise God it isn't in my stomach or brain." She was able to meet and share the story of God's love to people she would've never had opportunity to meet had she not walked this pathway. I saw her rest and try to gather all her strength to make one last memory for her grandchildren. As I flew in and made it to the hospice house and was able to spend a few last hours of seeing and touching her, I heard Heaven described in a way I had never heard it before ... and to me that brought comfort.
We've experienced miscarriages, deaths and loss ... so many goodbyes. However without some goodbyes we'd remain right where we are. With goodbyes come the hellos. I honestly believed I had a great life and I felt so blessed. I am awestruck to see where my life is now and how incredibly amazing it is now. God did a remarkable change in me ... each goodbye lead me to the person I am today. I don't always understand some of the bumps in the road but I do understand that I am not walking this pathway alone.
Until next time ... Find the good in the goodbyes!
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