Truly there are rare instances in which “parting is such sweet sorrow,” but more times than not, exchanging “goodbyes” is not a happy occasion. Just the mention of the word evokes bitter grief when it involves family or close friends. As of this writing, it has been seven days since my son and his family left our home in Maine for the three day journey back to their home in another state. The emotions that I experienced when they drove away reminded me of my son’s college days and saying goodbye at the airport. I still remember that heartsick feeling that expressed itself in tears as I returned to my home alone. The difference in our recent parting was that now each of my five grandchildren has created a hollow spot in my heart that fills with sadness when they step out of my world and back into their norm.
Wouldn’t it be great if we never had to say “goodbye” again? Believe it or not, the Bible tells us that such a day is coming for those of us who have a faith relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ. There is going to be a great reunion some day in which the saints of all ages will be resurrected and we who are alive will join them for eternal fellowship, in the presence of the Lord, with no goodbyes. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1Thessalonians 4:16-17)”
While we wait for that glad day, we will continue to walk upon a sin cursed earth where Satan, the enemy of our souls, and all of his cohorts, work tirelessly to accentuate the horrors of the “last goodbye” for those who still grope in darkness. Dear believer, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14).” What a privilege it is to share the good news that there does not have to be a last goodbye!