“Bye.” Liam repeated that word several times from the front porch where we were standing as Steven and Sara got in their car and drove away. They were heading home to Columbia after having said their goodbyes to Evan, Jacqueline, and Liam who are returning to Italy later this week. He waved in their direction and loudly continued his own goodbyes long after they had left the driveway.
Later we were putting him down for a nap and he wanted everyone to come and tell him goodnight. He even wanted Steven and Sara, who by then were well down I-77 South. So Monieca told him to tell them goodnight out the window “really loud” because they could hear him. So he did just that.
Goodbyes can be sad, especially when you know it will be a long time before you see the person again. That is part of what makes death so painful.
Yet I remember something I read a long time ago that helps in our goodbyes because it is true. What I read was this: “Those who love God never say goodbye for the last time.” I’ve always liked that statement because it means there will always be another “hello.” That is the difference Jesus makes. And what a difference it is.
I’m thankful there is enough love in our family that goodbye is sad. I’m even more thankful there is enough faith in Jesus that goodbye will never be final.
Pastor Steve Hogg
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