Saying Goodbye

Jerry R Brady After my father passed away, recently, I reflected on his life, and realized there were a lot of gifts, “life lessons” he gave me, but today I want to share the 5 biggest ones.

5. My father taught me how to fish. You see, he is the greatest fisherman I have ever met. I realize I will never be as good as him, but I learned the sport of it, the joy of being in nature, and taking on the challenge. Go fishing, and take a young person with you.

4. My father taught me how to be a good worker. I can only count maybe 10 days my father missed work, other than weekends and vacations. He taught me; at work, look around, there is always something to do. Be loyal, and work hard.

3. My father showed me, you can talk to anyone. My father was funny, and even a few seconds after meeting a stranger, a friend, or a loved one they would be smiling. Spending time with someone is a gift. Be generous.

2. My father taught me how to plan, be organized, and resourceful. A greater gift than I ever realized when I was young. This lesson, has saved time, helped me be prepared, and in general, made life easier. Be ready for your next event.

1. My father (and mother) took me, and my sister, faithfully to church where I fell in love with the most amazing God. I accepted his free gift of salvation through his Son, Jesus. I grew in knowledge of God, and dedicated my life to living for him. I have not always gotten it right, but my loving Heavenly Father has understood, has forgiven me, and has helped me to move on. This was the greatest gift my father and mother ever gave me. It’s the greatest gift you could ever give anyone. Share God.

Dad was ready for his final event as well. Dying. I hope you will be too. I pray if you have never made that decision to accept God’s greatest gift, you will right now. Just say, “God, I accept your Son, Jesus. I ask him to forgive me of my sins, my wrong doings in life, and to come into my life and show me how to truly live.”

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. (Phi 1:3 AMP) I love you Dad!

Saying goodbye is hard sometimes. Today as I was driving, while running errands, I noticed that nature was saying goodbye to summer. Instead of a grey, sad, display of emotion I saw a bright, brilliant colorful celebration of change. This summer here in Chicago was one of the best ever. The weather was pleasant, the temperatures were comfortable. I really do hate to see this summer end. And now as we do say goodbye to summer we get to enjoy exuberant colors. Nature knows how to say goodbye gracefully.

In life there are times we have to say goodbye to people. Some move away, others go to college, some go back to their homes far away after a nice visit, and then there are those in our life that just move on. Some you say goodbye to knowing again you will see them, and yet others you may never see again. Those can be the hardest to say goodbye to. It is in those times we have an opportunity to display grace and understanding or we can choose something darker that can hurt.

When Jesus left the face of the earth he left in a cloud. Not a bad way to travel I must say. I would joke that He flew “Standby”, but actually He had a reservation. When He said goodbye He gave us a promise.

“What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world. These were his last words. As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud.” (Act 1:8-9 MSG)

As you can see saying goodbye, though hard, can be good. In nature the earth rest during winter. Getting ready for a new year, a new season of life. When Jesus said goodbye He gave us a promise of the Holy Spirit to help us minister and live with power. We should learn to say goodbye gracefully, and accept the change.

(The image above has an embedded link to the song by Skillet on YouTube. Click on it)