“It’s not a goodbye but see you again”.
And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. Romans 8:28 (Amplified).
The airport was an emotional rollercoaster with mixed feelings. We were happy for the miracle but sad because of the farewell. I didn’t even realize he had his hands around my shoulder till we parted. Many months later, he told me he did when I asked if we even hugged at departure😂. How did I miss that? My mind was all over the place. I had a lot going on at the same time. My parents and fiancé followed me to the departure area as we reluctantly made our final goodbye following the multiple goodbyes we already said. I sniffled down all the tears at that point to avoid making a scene (….as if anyone cared😥). The truth is, I did not want my parents or my fiancé to have a lasting memory of me crying at departure, so I tried to get it together for them. Oh my! After settling in my seat, I let the emotions run wild. I put on my headphones, got a handkerchief and cried my eyes out.
Does that scene look familiar? Perhaps it’s a husband saying goodbye to his wife and kids, or a couple reminding themselves of their vows as they depart from one another, or a mother promising her child that she will come back soon, or aged parents giving blessings to their beloved daughter or son.
Why do we have to go through this? Life.
Photo by Alex Azabache on Unsplash
When we pray for blessings, we must prepare for them. The blessing could be that anticipated admission into college or graduate school, the study abroad program you worked towards, a postdoctoral position out of hundreds of applications you made or a visiting scholar opportunity you vehemently searched for. The aftermath of these answered prayers often consists of the dreaded statement “goodbye, see you soon”.
Goodbyes to friends, families, and loved ones at the airport or bus or train station may not appear to be such big deals but when you are left alone, moving to a new place, state, country or continent– even the strongest of us are a little shaken if we would be honest.
New start. New journey. New experience. New friends.
How exciting, you think– until you are completely out of your comfort zone.
Here’s to those of you who are a bit shaken, on your way to school, wondering what your life will look like. It may be questions about the weather. You’ve heard how cold it gets in winter but you grew up around the equator where your coldest months are nothing close to the summer weather temperature of where you are going!
It may be questions about the food. Oh! How you miss mum’s dumplings and Biryani already. You brought some ladoos, lovingly wrapped in a Ziploc bag, and carefully checked in, but we both know they can only last for a week!
It may be questions about the big city where you are headed. As a matter of fact, you grew up in a small town where neighbors knew each other well and played football in the streets!
How about questions about your new courses, classmates, roommates or housemates, advisor, research, living expenses.…let’s not get started.
The one leaving
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6. (NIV).
To you walking towards the other side of the departure line, full of ambition and gusto for the new phase, yet, saddled with anxiety and unknowns of the odyssey:
God will take care of you!
The one waiting
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV).
To you waiting on the home side, straining your neck as you trail your loved one moving away, watching them disappear into the crowd, genuinely happy, yet, with an ache in the heart:
God will take care of you too!
God’s. Got. You.
Special note: Would you give your life to Jesus Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life. If yes, please pray the prayers below:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection for the salvation of my soul. Please forgive all my sins. I choose you today to follow and to obey. May your love and the holy spirit lead and guide my purpose for your glory. Thank you, my Lord and savior. Amen!
Grace and blessings,
Olushola.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE TOO? HOW DID YOU FEEL AT THE TIME OF DEPARTURE AND HOW DID YOU YOU FIND YOUR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE OF IT?
