And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. (Acts 20:22-24, NLT)
Today was both a joyous and sad day as I said good-bye to my parents. They are finally retired and off to do the mission work they have always wanted to do full-time. I have known this day was coming for quite a while now. But, the realization that it has finally arrived brings with it mixed emotions. Yet, I understand that they must go.
In many ways I find my parents lives to reflect the life of Paul. They have been faithful followers of Christ since I was in high school. And along the way they have touched many lives and said many good-byes. But, the most important thing they recognize is that the way of the believer is not an easy road—yet, they still choose to follow it. Even not knowing what lies ahead for them, my parents understand their life is nothing unless they complete the work that God has called them to.
Our relationship hasn’t always been solid. There was a lot of healing that needed to occur and God allowed that to happen while I lived with them for 16 months after my second divorce. For that I am extremely grateful especially since I am unsure when they will return.
I read a sermon one time that taught some obvious benefits of saying goodbye. Tonight I take these lessons to heart.
Saying goodbye allows us to remember where we’ve been together and reminds us not to take our relationships for granted. This brings an appreciation for each other and allows us to understand the true nature of the relationship we have been afforded. The separation also gives us a chance to stand on our own and recognize whether we have what it takes to make it without each other.
Another lesson saying goodbye provides is the chance to set our own desires aside and accept God’s leading. I don’t really want my parents to leave…and I am sure they have their own moments of doubt. After all, why can’t they do the work of sharing Jesus right here at home?
Finally, I know that God is preparing my own future. Having my parents in a foreign land will be a test for me to continue to seek God’s direction since they won’t be close at hand should I need their help. He is teaching me to rely on those who remain in my life…and mostly Him.
Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12).
I am glad I am finally able to honor my parents in a way I didn’t earlier in life.
Mom slid into the seat of the van and I offered this comfort to her, “Remember, when you are a Christian there is no real good bye.”
As we waved fairwell with the tears streaming, I hold this truth in my heart knowing that they have passed along the most precious gift you can give the next generation…eternal life with Jesus.
Today was both a joyous and sad day as I said good-bye to my parents. They are finally retired and off to do the mission work they have always wanted to do full-time. I have known this day was coming for quite a while now. But, the realization that it has finally arrived brings with it mixed emotions. Yet, I understand that they must go.
In many ways I find my parents lives to reflect the life of Paul. They have been faithful followers of Christ since I was in high school. And along the way they have touched many lives and said many good-byes. But, the most important thing they recognize is that the way of the believer is not an easy road—yet, they still choose to follow it. Even not knowing what lies ahead for them, my parents understand their life is nothing unless they complete the work that God has called them to.
Our relationship hasn’t always been solid. There was a lot of healing that needed to occur and God allowed that to happen while I lived with them for 16 months after my second divorce. For that I am extremely grateful especially since I am unsure when they will return.
I read a sermon one time that taught some obvious benefits of saying goodbye. Tonight I take these lessons to heart.
Saying goodbye allows us to remember where we’ve been together and reminds us not to take our relationships for granted. This brings an appreciation for each other and allows us to understand the true nature of the relationship we have been afforded. The separation also gives us a chance to stand on our own and recognize whether we have what it takes to make it without each other.
Another lesson saying goodbye provides is the chance to set our own desires aside and accept God’s leading. I don’t really want my parents to leave…and I am sure they have their own moments of doubt. After all, why can’t they do the work of sharing Jesus right here at home?
Finally, I know that God is preparing my own future. Having my parents in a foreign land will be a test for me to continue to seek God’s direction since they won’t be close at hand should I need their help. He is teaching me to rely on those who remain in my life…and mostly Him.
Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12).
I am glad I am finally able to honor my parents in a way I didn’t earlier in life.
Mom slid into the seat of the van and I offered this comfort to her, “Remember, when you are a Christian there is no real good bye.”
As we waved fairwell with the tears streaming, I hold this truth in my heart knowing that they have passed along the most precious gift you can give the next generation…eternal life with Jesus.
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