Goodbye For Now

“Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.” ~ Geraldine

I’ve never mastered the craft of “goodbye”—with any sense of ease. I love with all of me—wholeheartedly. Goodbyes hurt.

Goodbye always makes my throat hurt.” — Charles M. Schulz

Five short days into the new year, dear friends of mine lost their father, mother, and youngest sister. They were not able to say goodbye, before a terrible accident claimed the lives of those they love. In the blink of an eye they were gone. Hearts broken wide open.

I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. Psalm 42:7

I had the honor of being with this beautiful family before they moved to heaven. Little did I know, our “goodbye for now” would mean so much. It wasn’t our first visit—it won’t be our last.

Something about “goodbye for now” is easier for my heart to speak. It’s a way of saying “I will see you again!” An acknowledgement of enduring love. A heart language—”I love you, and I will return,— and….we will be together again”. “Until then, I carry you in my heart.” That is exactly, what I meant, the last time I said “goodbye for now”.

What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us. Helen Keller

Jesus was intimately acquainted with loving and letting go. Living everyday on this side of eternity, He knew the day would come where He would say “goodbye for now”.

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” Luke 24:14

There is something beautiful about sharing a meal with those you love. Middle Eastern families know this well. A place were entertaining your guests with the best you have—brings great honor to one’s home. Where hospitality takes on a whole different flavor.

My beautiful friend often went by the name Grace. A very fitting name. She was a most gracious woman with a heart bigger then life. To know her—is to have been loved well. Her sweet spirit set the stage for genuine friendship. She was warm and inviting and genuine.

Goodbye for now sweet friend.

Your gentle spirit and gracious heart—marked me for life.

Pastor Reda was a gentle man with the heart of a good father. The last time I saw him was at their dinner table. I’m grateful for the last meal we shared together. I listened as he shared his story of near death. He was in a terrible motorcycle accident a few years prior. He died for a short time. During this time he saw Jesus. He was told that he would not die and neither would the man next to him. When he gained consciousness, he noticed a man next to him in the hospital. The man was crying out in pain and feared dying. Pastor Reda turned to him and told him, “It’s okay, I saw Jesus. He told me you will not die, you will live”. The man accepted Jesus and lived! A gentle giant with a passion for Jesus and his family. I look forward to seeing you again. To listen to more stories over steaming cups of hot coffee!

Jomana is the families youngest daughter. She would have celebrated her 13th birthday a week ago. A vibrant young girl with a humble spirit. She was gentle and wore a smile that lit up every room in the house! A daughter who served God alongside her family and brought honor and joy to the home. A magnificent blend of her parents and beautifully her own—pure gold. Greatly missed.

The youngest son survived the car accident. At the tender age of 5 he is now living with his older sister and brother. God’s great big arms of love—surely hold him close. He is recovering from the trauma suffered in the accident and surrounded by family who love him with all their hearts.

I met the oldest daughter years ago. She is a strong woman who burns with passion to serve God. A beautiful mix of tenacity and courage and sacrifice. She is a newlywed who refused to let a global pandemic destroy her wedding plans in 2020.

The oldest brother is a brilliant young man and a dedicated student who loves God and people. Like David of the Old Testament, he is a man after God’s heart. Gifted with strength, and determination, and natural born wisdom.

This coming Friday, the three surviving children and their extended family will say “goodbye for now” to their beloved father, mother, and sister. In addition; brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and a beautiful community—will gather in honor of lives lived well.

Some day you will read in the papers that D.L. Moody of East Northfield, is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now; I shall have gone up higher, that is all, out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal-a body that death cannot touch, that sin cannot taint; a body fashioned like unto His glorious body. DL Moody

I’m thankful for the hope Jesus left us with. Our goodbye is only for now. We will be together again.

Let not your heart be troubled. You are trusting God, now trust in me. There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am. If this weren’t so, I would tell you plainly.  And you know where I am going and how to get there.” John 14:1-4