Do they know?
Larry and I stood fixed in our spot on the sidewalk to wave goodbye until the red car lights rounded the corner and vanished out of sight. Clad in my fleece robe, clutching a warm mug of coffee, I asked myself, “Do they know?”
Do they know that part of my heart is packed away in their multiple pieces of luggage?
Do they know how empty the rooms feel now that the glorious chaos is gone?
Do they know how much we will miss them between now and the time we are together again?
And,
Do they know how very much we love them?
Do they know?
For many of us, the upcoming weeks—our holiday season—promise to surge with energy and explode with activity. There will be extra loads of laundry, more dirty dishes, extended late-night conversations, multiple trips to the grocery, and there will inevitably be the unavoidable goodbyes. Ouch.
Living geographically separated from family for decades has given us the opportunity to create a Collection of Rituals that cushion the leave-taking. Five are listed below.
1. Twenty-four hours before a parting, we acknowledge that we are on a conveyor belt, physically and emotionally, and we intentionally streamline life. The focus of the household becomes packing and parting.
2. On the morning of departure, regardless of the hour, we are up with our loved ones to offer practical help in getting out the door. (Even if it is 2:30 am.)
3. When the clock refuses to grant any more grace minutes, everybody circles for one last hug. And—here is a huge component—we pause to declare a blessing over those leaving. Our favorites remain Numbers 6:24-26 and 2 Corinthians 13:14.
4. Then, as little bodies get buckled into car seats, we state: “See you in a minute.” As absurd as this may sound, somehow it adds a balm, even if we don’t yet know when our next visit will occur.
5. Finally, when the vehicle backs out of the garage, Larry and I scurry to take up our positions on the front sidewalk to wave goodbye as they pull out of sight. We want their last glance to be our smiling faces and warm waves.
Whew. Washed over with fatigue, he and I walk back inside, grab an Afghan, curl up by the fire, and thank God for His loving care over the precious cargo. Our rituals did their part in facilitating the farewell; now we look to God to do His part in restoring our lives to normal.
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
“He has also set eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face to shine on you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14).
What plans do you have for out-of-town guests over the holidays?
Are there certain rituals you have developed for family partings?
How could a scriptural blessing be an asset in your saying goodbye?
