Goodbye Again!!

It has been an interesting couple of weeks. We said "goodbye" to dear friends and watched them move, we said "goodbye" again to our girls in Texas and friends, wondering when we will see them again. A Grandma died, her husband of over 75 years says goodbye. We remember one who has gone to Heaven a couple of years ago. I, also, was able to see my Grandma again, she is 96. I wonder if it was my last time to see and touch her. There was also a surprise visit from a Chicago friend, but then another goodbye. It is easy to just stay here and think about all the departures. It is easy to look at each day and decide that life is hard and often very sad.

I was very tempted to stay there this week. As my friend left for Chicago again, I wanted to stamp my feet and yell "I am tired of saying goodbye to everyone I love." But, by His mercy, I was reminded of how rich these loved ones have made my life. The goodbye is so hard because the time shared has been so sweet. It is because of the goodness and kindness of the Lord that we can love one another so deeply and our longing to be together and never say "goodbye" again should remind us that we were made for another Place and soon we will never depart from one another. This life here really is very short and it won't be long until we are looking back on this chapter of "earth life" and thinking to ourselves how quick time passed. Let us strive to cultivate gratitude for every moment we get together to share this life He has given us. Let us remind one another often, that the road of this life is often filled with potholes, but soon it will a street of Gold. I once again commit myself to make every opportunity to let my loved ones know that they are dear to me. So, precious friend, as you read this, take a moment to recall some of the times we have laughed and made memories together and thank our Jesus that we have walked at least some of this road together. I miss my friends, but , oh I have so much to be grateful for!!