I’m reaching a point in my life where the goodbyes are starting to outnumber the hellos and I don’t like it!
I had a wonderful time yesterday visiting with my aunt and uncle, Hazel and Ben Sowers. We talked and talked, probably more than we have in our whole lives. Aunt Hazel fed me great food and Uncle Ben took me on a 4-wheeler tour of their 200 acre farm. To top off the visit, my cousin, Brent Sowers, who I haven’t seen in at least 30 years, went out of his way to stop in and say, “Hello”, something I really appreciated. It was a very special day!
Unfortunately, as with all visits in this life, there came a time where we had to say goodbye. That was hard. I hope we get to see each other again soon, but with us living thousands of miles apart, that probably isn’t going to happen. The thought makes me sad, but, as they say, that’s life.
The thing is, for all of us there comes a time when the goodbyes outnumber the hellos, when we must say farewell knowing there may be no tomorrow. The older we get the more goodbyes we say and the fewer hellos. It’s a depressing thought, but there is good news. A better day is on its way!
On that day, “Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.” (Isaiah 60:20 NIV). When that day comes, God “will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4.
When Jesus comes again, when His glory splits the skies, “…the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) On that day there will be no more goodbyes, only hellos. That’s a day I can hardly wait to see.
This morning, if you, like me, are tired of goodbyes, say “Hello” to Jesus. Give Him your heart. Give Him your life. Accept Him as your Savior and know that, when you belong to Him, goodbye is not forever. “Hello” is coming soon!
Have a wonderful day and remember to “encourage one another with these words.” God bless!