When Goodbyes Cease

My mother and I just enjoyed a most wonderful time with dear friends visiting from Alabama, USA. Their company was a blessing of joy and sweet fellowship in the Lord, but then came the moment to say goodbye. I could feel a lump forming in my throat and a tear threatening to escape my eyes.

My life has been full of goodbyes too numerous to count. Most of my goodbyes took place at the airport saying goodbye to my parents. What sadness crept inside me with every last turn of my head and wave of my hand before I disappeared into the throngs of others saying their own goodbyes as we headed to airplanes ready to whisk us up, up, and away. There has also been many goodbyes to friends in places around the world, over and over and over again. Of course, there are final goodbyes on earth when loved ones pass away. The void left behind when a dear one has gone from our presence is grievous.

Life is full of goodbyes, but oh, there is a day coming when goodbyes will be a permanent thing of the past. For every child of God there is that beautiful and unbreakable promise found in Revelation 21:1-4, I saw a new Heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying ‘Look, God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever (NLT).

No more sorrow, or crying or pain? No more ever! No more goodbyes from those we love so very much because we will all be in our eternal home, together for eternity. I hope you know Jesus; not just know about Him, but know Him personally. If you have accepted His gift of forgiveness and salvation, then be ready. Press on in all His ways, be ever learning about Him, be ever experiencing His strength and peace that only comes by walking closely with Him. Be always reading His Words of truth and guidance. Be empowered in the Holy Spirit, listening intently to hear that still, small voice saying, this is the way, now walk in it (Isaiah 30:21).

Goodbyes for God’s children are temporary. Goodbyes have no place in eternity. That glorious day is drawing near. I look forward to seeing you there with an excited, “Hello!”