Saying goodbye is difficult for me. On Sunday, I put my son on a plane back to Nashville. I miss him already. My daughter is moving to San Antonio in August. I’m dreading it. I said goodbye to my Dad last year. My therapist is still helping me with that. Every time I say goodbye to my Mom I wonder if it might be the last. She’s doing fine – she’s just at that age. I’ve been to three funerals in the last two weeks. I don’t like goodbyes.
Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say goodnight till it be morrow.” — William Shakespeare
Four Things to Remember About Saying Goodbye
Jesus said goodbye to his disciples the night before his death. What can we learn from him about saying goodbye?
1. Don’t avoid your true feelings.
Jesus started his goodbye by saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled …” (John 14:1a). He went straight to the emotion that they were all feeling.
Later he would say, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matt. 26:38). Jesus was not afraid to confront his true feelings.
Whatever you are feeling – embrace it – express it – own it.
2. Your goodbye is a growth experience.
Jesus told his disciples that they would grow after he was gone and that, in fact, his leaving was essential for their continued growth. God would send a helper for them, the Holy Spirit, who would guide them in all things (John 14:16-17, 26).
Jesus told his disciples that his leaving them was actually the best thing for them because the Holy Spirit couldn’t come unless Jesus said goodbye (John 16:7).
Goodbyes are often essential for growth. You should see the growth opportunities in every goodbye — both for you and the person who is leaving.
3. Your goodbye releases the other person.
In some ways, Jesus’ leaving his disciples released them to a bigger work. Jesus accomplished what he came to earth to do – to die for our sins (Mark 10:45). His work was done. It was time for him to leave.
Jesus told them that because he was leaving them and going to the Father, they would do even greater things than he had done (John 14:12). They would go to the entire world with the saving message of the love of God (Acts 1:8).
Every time you say goodbye you are releasing that person to new relationships, new experiences, and new vistas. Rejoice!
4. You never say goodbye for the last time.
The great thing is that when we believe in Jesus we never have to say goodbye for the last time. Jesus told his disciples that the goodbye was just temporary. They would see him no more, but then they would see him again (John 16:16).
Jesus told his disciples that he would always be with them. He would never leave them or forsake them (Matt. 28:20).
Always remember that when you say goodbye it is never for the last time. And even though you might be sad for a season and you might cry – your sadness and tears are temporary.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev.21:4).
So, if you are having to say goodbye to someone you love. Be strong! I’m right there with you. Solidarity! My fist is in the air right now.
