Sad but Good Goodbyes...

It always happens.  The soon-aproaching separation looms ahead like a black cloud and overwhelms me with sadness.  I, rather oddly, start to process the grief of saying goodbye several days before it happens.  Then by the time it happens I have already dealt with most of the emotions and heartache and can move on.  This might sound good for the actual farewell, but can make for a rather dreary, mopey me that my sweet family has to deal with as we try to enjoy the last days together of a visit.

When Joel boarded for 3 years in middle school I would come into his room the night before he left  and just sob.  The dread of the parting, almost too much to bear.  But then, I'd have a good cry, pray my heart out and move on, trying to face with a rather weak smile and semi-cheery disposition the coming trip to the airport or train station. Then with a positive, expectant heart begin looking forward to our next reunion.

My kids think it is a little morbid and maybe it is, but I sing this song when our family has to say goodbye to one another. It reminds me of my future home in heaven where there are no goodbyes.  It sets my perspective straight.  Rather than feeling sorry for myself or letting bitterness seep in, I focus on Jesus who makes me brave. Brave for the goodbyes. Brave for the separations. Brave for life's trials that really, in comparison with an eternity of erased sorrows, looks better and better with each passing day.

It will be worth it all

When we see Jesus

Life's trials will seem so small

When we see Christ

One glimpse of His dear face

All sorrows will erase

So bravely run the race

Till we see Christ