There is a poem that used to hang in our hallway in Moscow. It wasn't until my last year of high school and continuing into college that the meaning of the words really sank in (after I had a few more "goodbyes" under my belt). The gist of the poem is that our lives are made up of bits and pieces of all the people that have crossed our paths. This poem and the many transitions I have experienced in life have shaped the way I think about goodbyes. First of all, I will confess: I love meeting people. This is one of my favorite things to do. I am constantly fascinated by the variety of stories and ideas and personalities that God has created. I love being challenged by conversations with people who hold very different views than my own, and I love encouraging and being encouraged and challenged by people with whom I share the same views. I love sharing, comparing and learning about experiences this world has witnessed. And more significantly, I love seeing how God puts people in and out of my life and then back in again. Those of you who have spent any time around me know that I don't generally walk up to strangers just for the sake of meeting new people —I'm not quite that fanatic on a daily basis— but rather, I have found that this is just something that happens as a part of life...especially when life takes me to a new place.
I had no idea how much my life would be enriched by the new friendships developed in my 15 weeks in Pennsylvania. The Lehigh Valley Church of Christ stayed true to their word that "you are only a visitor once". Within the first weeks of my arrival, I felt like I was among family. Isn't that what the church is intended to be! At work, I did not expect to mesh so well with my co-workers, but friendships were developed which I hope and believe will continue for years to come. In my parting, I cannot help but think about how each relationship has affected me as a person — I sincerely see my life as having been enriched. And that leaves me thankful, not sorrowful, as "goodbyes" are said.
As my last day in Bethlehem quickly approached, I tried to convey to my friends and co-workers the way I viewed "goodbyes". Goodbye is never terminal in my mind. When I leave a place, I assume that I will see it again some day...and frequently, this has happened. Similarly when I leave friends, I assume that our paths will cross again someday, and even if they don't, we can always stay in touch. On my journey to Pennsylvania from Texas I saw 9 friends, many of whom anyone else might have thought they would never see again. On my journey from Pennsylvania back to Texas, I saw at least 10 friends from different stages of life including a high school classmate. To me, this is just a testament to the reality that I have no idea who from my past will cross my path again in the future. That is a beautiful reality. I would rather hold on to the hope of seeing a friend again after we part ways, than dwell on the present parting.
If you are reading this, chances are good that our paths have crossed, and I am thankful for the bits and pieces of life that we have shared. If we have not met, I hope we do. I would love to hear your story.
There are many uncertainties that lie ahead. But with this reflection on relationships in my life, I am humbly reminded of God's faithfulness. He is faithful. He provides.
I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.
Let the morning bring me word of your UNFAILING LOVE, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Teach me to do your will, for YOU ARE MY GOD; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
excerpts from Psalm 143
