Goodbyes are always hard and as missionaries we say a lot of them. We say them to family and friends when we leave our home country knowing it will be a few years before we see most of them again. We say them to friends that we meet in our country of service as they are constantly coming and going.
Goodbyes are hard because despite all the latest technology allowing us to stay connected, the physical distance threatens relationship. This increases as the months and years pass. Relationships are an investment and they take the effort of both parties in order for the relationships to grow and flourish. And for most people, the investment takes too much time and too much pain so it is easier just to let it go.
This is a struggle for me too. So what should our response be? Should we pull away emotionally and communicate only when absolutely necessary?
Is it worth the anticipation of seeing a loved one knowing that at the end the goodbye will be as painful as the last time? Is it worth putting the effort into an email or a letter or a package or a skype conversation knowing that it isn't nearly as good as sitting down over a cup of coffee? And if there are failed expectations and disappointment in regular relationships how much greater those are in a long distance relationship.
Yet despite all the hard parts of long distant relationship, we know that God made us for relationship. That means he already knows that we will experience joy and pain and he is ready to walk with us in these relationships.
Mom and dad: it has been a worthy month. The pain of saying goodbye again is great. It breaks my heart to let go again but the memories are worth it all!
Friends: the distance feels great but the letters and emails and packages that were sent our way this month brought joy to our hearts and gladness to our souls. They lighten the burden we carry and encourage us to persevere for the glory of God. For a moment, the physical distance has been lessened and we have enjoyed precious time with you. Kindred friends, we need you even though it is hard and painful to stay in touch. You are God's gift to us.
I have wept this week as I have reflected on relationships. The Lord Jesus wept too and it was because of his relationship to man. He was willing to lay down his life for us in order to restore our relationship to Himself. It caused Him physical, emotional and spiritual pain but I know without a doubt that He would say. It was worth the pain and he would do it all over again.
For the growth of His kingdom, for Jesus, it is worth the pain.
Goodbyes are hard because despite all the latest technology allowing us to stay connected, the physical distance threatens relationship. This increases as the months and years pass. Relationships are an investment and they take the effort of both parties in order for the relationships to grow and flourish. And for most people, the investment takes too much time and too much pain so it is easier just to let it go.
This is a struggle for me too. So what should our response be? Should we pull away emotionally and communicate only when absolutely necessary?
Is it worth the anticipation of seeing a loved one knowing that at the end the goodbye will be as painful as the last time? Is it worth putting the effort into an email or a letter or a package or a skype conversation knowing that it isn't nearly as good as sitting down over a cup of coffee? And if there are failed expectations and disappointment in regular relationships how much greater those are in a long distance relationship.
Yet despite all the hard parts of long distant relationship, we know that God made us for relationship. That means he already knows that we will experience joy and pain and he is ready to walk with us in these relationships.
Mom and dad: it has been a worthy month. The pain of saying goodbye again is great. It breaks my heart to let go again but the memories are worth it all!
Friends: the distance feels great but the letters and emails and packages that were sent our way this month brought joy to our hearts and gladness to our souls. They lighten the burden we carry and encourage us to persevere for the glory of God. For a moment, the physical distance has been lessened and we have enjoyed precious time with you. Kindred friends, we need you even though it is hard and painful to stay in touch. You are God's gift to us.
I have wept this week as I have reflected on relationships. The Lord Jesus wept too and it was because of his relationship to man. He was willing to lay down his life for us in order to restore our relationship to Himself. It caused Him physical, emotional and spiritual pain but I know without a doubt that He would say. It was worth the pain and he would do it all over again.
For the growth of His kingdom, for Jesus, it is worth the pain.
I just wrote a nice long post and now it is lost.
ReplyDeleteMy son doesn't like skype. He finds it too hard. He'd rather see family and friends in person. I think that's hard on family at times. He really does care just don't like skype...it's not personal enough.
I miss friends. I long for a good friend here but realize friendships take time. And then there's the language barrier.
Today we got our first letter in the mail and boy did that excite me. Mail from home. Someone (a family member) thoughtfully took time to send us mail. I think mail feels so much more special when you are out of country.
Thinking of you guys. Glad you had precious time with your family.
Hugs,
R