Farewell, Goodbye, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu
After the laughter, the stories, reminiscing, and fellowship of the Thanksgiving celebration, it is time for the parting. Some live nearby and you will see from time to time, others live farther away and visiting isn’t always possible, so goodbyes are in order. Shedding a few tears in the mix of hugs and promises to write or call, you part company. Somehow the quiet you craved, from the onslaught of chaos, is deafening. The day seems to drag, when the weeks before were flying by. So what has changed? Why the sudden depression? It is simple really, laughter and noise is a way of acknowledging life! Yes there is chaos, and an occasional accident of some trinket being broken, but it was life, lived fully! Talking to someone on the phone everyday does not replace their physical presence. Someone you can see and touch, and know they are okay. Life is a messy business, but I wouldn’t trade it for the alternative. Knowing my love for music, this particular hymn best describes these feelings:
Words by Jeremiah E. Rankin; music by William G Tomer : God Be With You
God be with you till we meet again;
by his counsels guide, uphold you,
with his sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain:
Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
neath his wings securely hide you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.
(Refrain)
God be with you till we meet again;
when life’s perils thick confound you,
put his arms unfailing round you;
God be with you till we meet again.
(Refrain)
God be with you till we meet again;
keep love’s banner floating o’er you,
smite death’s threatening wave before you;
God be with you till we meet again.
(Refrain)
What more could you ask for anyone than God’s blessings and protection until you see them again.
As parents we need to teach our children to value every moment they have with their grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. Life is a fleeting commodity and we need to savor every morsel that each individual can give us. Benjamin Franklin said: “Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today!” Teach them foremost the price of sin and who paid their debt. As I said, time is fleeting!
We as writers can tap into the strength of family, even its tiniest nuisances. What we learn from one another while growing up, carries us through life. It helps form us, and the character we have or lack. Let us be a force to show the importance of family ties.
And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
John 16:22
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:20
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
I Corinthians 15:51-52
And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
Genesis 31:49