I have always hated goodbyes! You see, I went to four different high-schools in three different States, left all of my family to move to Washington State and have made friends all over the world. The good side of this is simply the fact that I am very rich in relationships. The bad side is that I am always saying, "See ya later." We are down to our last two days in Mexico and I am dealing with the dual feelings of being sad to go and excited about seeing family and friends in California and then back home in Washington State. "Parting is such sweet sorrow!"
Our family has made some new friends that I hope we will be able to keep for life. We have come to love the City of Mazatlan and hope to return in two years for our 20th Anniversary. We now have some wonderful people we can "hang with" which will make the adventure so much the better. In the days ahead, I will take some time to introduce you to some of the people and places we have loved in Mazatlan and hopefully not bore you to death.
I remember Rick Warren, the author of "THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE" telling a story from his own life of his father´s long goodbye in death and the passion he graduated to heaven with. Rick shared how his father´s consuming goal in life was always to, "Take just one more person to heaven with him." I hope the love of God and the Good News of Jesus has shown forth from our lives in such a way while here in Mexico as to help to populate heaven. I hope one day I will be able to look back on our time in Mazatlan and see that it wasn't´t just about R&R and ministry goal setting, but that Jesus touched some lives through the family that stayed at Residential Burgos in Casa #3.
I am also looking forward to the day when I will never have to say goodbye again in The New Heavens and The New Earth. There, I will join with my eternal family in the longest party ever in Jesus´house. I long for my Master´s appearing and the completion of this part of "The Mystery of the Ages," when faith will become sight and spirit and matter will be one and the same. I can imagine abolishing goodbyes and never having to attend another funeral. Until then, I will continue to look for "A city whose builder and maker is God" and try to accept the idea that goodbyes create longing and are temporary. Truly, "Parting is such sweet sorrow."
I'll be saying goodbye to 3 adults leaving MY OWN HOME in the next 10 years.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure everyone at Grace Harvest Church is excited to hear stories of new relationships and adventures enjoyed in "The Pearl." But your time isn't over yet. I'm praying that God does as much on this last leg of your journey as he has up to this point. He has something in mind for you and your family.
Just remember there is a big family in Washington that has been on knees for 2 1/2 months, awaiting the return of a very dear Pastor and family. Awaiting to hear all God has spoke and done in your family. May you all be sheltered under His wings as you travel and continue to be Blessed
ReplyDeleteShelly
HOORAY! You're coming home! HOORAY! Sorry you have to leave some people behind, but ... HOORAY! HOORAY! HOORAY!
ReplyDeleteDrive safe! We won't stop prayin' 'til we see you face to face!
I know what you mean, I hate goodbyes, it seems like I have to go through those all the at this stage in my life... Anyways, I don't know how long you are in California for, but it would be great to see you all. I am in Washington Dec. 24th-31st. But if you are down here before or after that time let me know! My cell number is (509)750-3012. Glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Mexico so much! God bless!
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