Seeing the "Good" in Good bye

As we get ready to go on our new adventure in Europe I’m reflecting on this word once again. Having been brought up with parents living in opposite sides of the world I’ve become quite accustomed to farewells over the years although I can’t say that it gets any easier.

In my reflections I realize there are so much # Good in bye for us as God’s people:

# 1 Good bye is never final!

As Christians we know and understand that this life is temporary. The reality is that we will be spending eternity together! Forever! That’s thousands of suppers, get togethers and memorable moments which are still coming with that person or family! What a wonderful thought! Every person that you miss right now, whether they are in a different city, overseas or already with our Lord; be comforted in the truth that you will be seeing A LOT more of them in the future! As Christians our ” good bye” in fact really means ” Au revoir” – see you later!

# 2 Letting go of the OLD in order to make space for the NEW!

Very often in life in order for God to do something NEW and move us FORWARD we have to be willing to let go of the PAST. While its often not comfortable it is an essential element of GROWTH.

My middle child Zachariah just grew out his shiny new permanent front teeth. It looks great now but in order for this to have happened – he had to lose his baby teeth. I remember those few weeks when he was toothless in the front; awkward as he struggled to eat and smile for pictures. But they had to go although they had served their purpose for a season. It was time for the new, strong teeth to come through which will serve him throughout his adult life. This is sometime the bittersweet element of saying goodbye.

Serving at Fountain Vineyard Church has been a great honour and blessing. We will cherish every memory fondly. Although “letting go” has been hard; we now look forward with eager expectation to the new things that God has for us in this new season as we partner with him, trusting him for the amazing, impossible and incredible! Watch out Europe here we come!

# 3 Good bye = declare blessing!

This is the origin of this word ” May God be with you ” and was used to pronounce a parting blessing on that person! Wow, what a great meaning because as we know “if God is with us – then who can be against us!” (Romans 8:31). If this is the case then I want to pronounce a huge GOODBYE / blessing upon all our family, friends and Fountain Vineyard family!

” So Good bye:

May the Lord bless you and protect you! May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you! May the Lord show you his favour and give you his peace!

Numbers 6:24

#Fountainvineyardchurch# It’s been a great joy to serve Jesus with you! “Au revoir” We love you!