Things are lookin’ up…

I am compelled to begin this blog on a somber note.  Over the past year, I have experienced the excruciating act of saying “Goodbye” far too many times.  The surprising part is that it has become harder than when it first began.  Of course, that is completely subjective and perhaps impossible to truly measure, but it feels harder.  I have said “Goodbye” to my best friend/soon-to-be wife too many times to count; I will forever have a lump in my throat when I think about airports.  I have said “Goodbye” to friends who have become family over and over again; while usually deflecting the pain until later…sometimes much later.  I have said “Goodbye” to strangers who have become family; almost wishing they were still strangers to escape the hurt of farewell.  And I have said “Goodbye” to family who have been family.  This morning, I added more checks to the “Goodbye” list as two of my newest friends and brothers (Jay and Justin) prepared to move to the Western US in response to God’s call on their lives.  Ironically, each one provided a quote that began my meditation:

“When you move to a new place, you gain a world and lose a world at the same time”

“We weren’t made to say ‘Goodbye’”

God created us in need of perfect communion with Him.  The longings and hurt that we feel are evidences of the need for an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father.  The excruciating act of saying “Goodbye” is another aspect of our lives that speaks to the “not yet” nature of the Kingdom existing on Earth.  On the other hand, the joy of a deep friendship built on the foundation of Christ is a billboard that reads “He Reigns” in us and through us and that we are are His agents of redemption to this broken world.