Goodbyes

I'm lousy at goodbyes. Period.

To me, there's never a right way to do them. Is the "turn-around-and-never-look-back" approach the best way to contain the floodgates? Or is the "talk-and-share-till-the-cows-come-home" method better? (the one where you share with each other what the other person means to you, how much you'll miss him/her, etc... and at the end of the day, you have to be dragged apart) Or should the tackless, but highly effective, "Last-call-and-I-really-need-to-go-in-now...I'll-call-when-I-get-there" kind of goodbye be employed to save tissues.

I've experienced all the 3 approaches above and lemme tell you... I don't like all of them. Then again, I never liked goodbyes in the first place. Especially the kind which involves someone/s whom you really cherish and love.

All that pondering reminded me of Paul's (the apostle) experience of goodbyes. I flipped to an epistle I just studied-- 1 Thessalonians, and there lay words that spoke of Paul's deep affection for the Thessalonians and the anguish he felt when he had to leave them.

"But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought) out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you."

1 Thess 2:17 [NIV]

From here, Paul used really strong words to describe how he felt about his parting with the Thessalonians. They were very dear to him and Paul treated them like like they were his children. (1 Thess 2:11,12) In fact, Paul described them as being his hope, glory, joy and crown of boasting! (1 Thes 2: 19,20) However, what mattered to Paul in the end wasn't the physical distance between him and the Thessalonians. What mattered most to Paul was their faith and spiritual growth. And though he couldn't go visit them personally to encourage them, he sent another close brother-in-Christ, Timothy... and this was what Paul said when Timothy came back with a good report...

"[7]Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. [8]For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord."

1 Thess 3:7,8 [NIV]

Wow...

So finally, to whoever may be finding parting and goodbyes difficult, take heart! Its normal to feel sad ;) However, may we be focused on the right things in life. Though the physical distance apart will stretch the friendship a little, we're all united in Christ! :) And what's important is that we keep the other person in prayer, to pray for what's important:

"[12]May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. [13]May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones."

1 Thess 3:12-13 [NIV]

P.S. don't think pam has my blog addy... can phy or sam forward this blog entry to her? i hope it can encourage her :)