Goodbye and Hello

No matter how we try to escape it, we will always meet up with a goodbye in one form or another.  We can't escape the tearing of souls and the tears shed from the ache it leaves behind.  It's all a part of life, since the beginning of time.  I can't imagine experiencing the first goodbye, watching the Garden of Eden shrink in size behind them as Adam and Eve walked further and further away from true paradise.  Even Paul talks about the heartache the church endures as he leaves friends as close as family behind, with the knowledge that their embraces, more than likely, won't meet on this earth again.

But God, in his mercy and grace, always brings something beautiful out of the heartache.  If you stop and think about it, there will always be a hello on the other side.  Saying goodbye to parents as the 18 year old heads off to college results in a hello to new friends, new experiences and a new chapter in life.  Saying goodbye to beloved family and heartfelt friendships always leads to new family and friends, expanding our horizons and perspectives on this earth.  And ultimately, a goodbye to this earth is a hello to Christ, for those whose trust is in Jesus Christ their Lord.  The best part of it all is that everything ends with a hello for eternity.

Should you face a goodbye in your life, remember a hello is just around the corner.  And goodbyes, in the family of God, are never forever!  All praise and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ!

Goodbye...until next time.