Not Made for Goodbye
Today, we invite you to read more words of wisdom and encouragement from our guest blogger, Shelby Pruitt, as she reminds us of God's design to connect us with others. May you be challenged to cherish every moment He gives you with your friends and loved ones.
My mom recently left after a delightful visit. We enjoyed the wrap-up of summer with my dad and the beginning of autumn with her. But as bright as these visits are, a shadow lingers on the fringes, the somber knowing that goodbye is coming ever closer.
As with many negative feelings, I try to spin them in a positive way: at least we made memories; at least the time happened; we can look forward to the next meeting. But no matter what I do or how I re-spin the story, the bitter taste of farewell never lessens. I’ve reflected, pondered, and prayed about it and am left to conclude that I feel this way because separation is not in our design. I’ve been compiling a list of how things should be, and I’m doing this by identifying what shouldn’t be. This usually leads me back to the Garden where we glimpse the best and see it crumble.
The first goodbye in human history was at the edge of Eden (Genesis 3:23, 24). The first humans reached for the forbidden and consumed it, and so began that endless concert of farewells. One can only imagine the heart-wrenching separations that began at Babel, where humanity once again reached for what was not theirs to have (Genesis 11:8, 9). History is a record of endings, separations, and adieus; present times are no different. Children grow up and move away; friends get new jobs and leave; marriages end; life gets busy, and relationships are neglected. And there is always the final farewell that comes when we are never prepared for it.
The sole creation made in the very image of God (Genesis 1:26–28) was designed for togetherness, for community, for relationship, for commitment (John 17:20–23; Acts 2:44–47; Romans 15:5–6; Hebrews 10:24–25). People are designed to bond and build and be side-by-side. It begins in our relationship with God and extends to our fellow image-bearers. With this in mind, how do we live a life of goodbyes? How do we continue to love others and build relationships when we know that “au revoir” is around the corner?
I don’t know. That’s why I’m writing this blog today. But I do know that a few things ease the sting a little:
- Take lots of pictures so that the memories come alive a little more.
- Go back for a second or third or fourth hug so you know you took every opportunity to be close.
- Do everyday things so you’ll have memories of your loved one in your daily routine.
- Start planning the next visit.
- Have things you do every time you are together.
- Accept that goodbyes are a hard part of life, and voice those emotions. Don’t try to bottle them in.
As hard as life can be, the good parts are still really good. Soak every bit of them in and fill your world with brightness.
1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
The Apostle Paul, one known for traversing the then-known world of the first century to spread the gospel, was no stranger to “goodbyes.” In fact, many of his farewells/memories of those with whom he could not fellowship in person were divinely inspired and included in the eternal Word of God to leave an example for us.
Philippians 1:3–8
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
AUTHOR BIO:
Shelby Pruitt was raised on the island of Oahu, where she earned her Masters of Education in Teaching after being home-educated from preschool through high school. She taught language arts for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades at a private Christian school until motherhood became her next full-time position. She and her husband live in Florida, where they homeschool their eight young children. Shelby desires to honor and serve Jesus in all aspects of her life. She filters life through the lens of both mother and educator, for the two are truly interwoven; she believes that one of the primary objectives of both roles should be to keep the spark of learning alive—in herself and the children in her care.
To read more of Shelby's blogs, click HERE.
Shelby Pruitt was raised on the island of Oahu, where she earned her Masters of Education in Teaching after being home-educated from preschool through high school. She taught language arts for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades at a private Christian school until motherhood became her next full-time position. She and her husband live in Florida, where they homeschool their eight young children. Shelby desires to honor and serve Jesus in all aspects of her life. She filters life through the lens of both mother and educator, for the two are truly interwoven; she believes that one of the primary objectives of both roles should be to keep the spark of learning alive—in herself and the children in her care.
To read more of Shelby's blogs, click HERE.
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