"Sometimes we don’t get to say goodbye. Other times, goodbye is a process. How do we deal with the process of goodbye when our heart’s inclination is to pull away because it hurts too much? The exhortation to accompany this precious couple to the ship hit the bulls-eye. They are not the only ones God is calling to obedience. He has a task for all of us too. Our job is to see them off, to support them in this phase of their walk with God, and to bless them as they go. We want to be standing on the docks, probably with tears in our eyes, waving goodbye to these friends who served us and served with us. We want to strengthen them as they go so that they will arrive at their new destination with courageous, joyful hearts. In doing that, we honor God and we honor them.

Beloved, let’s see our loved ones to the ship. Healing is not found in punishing those who God is calling away by nursing a grudge, licking our wounds, giving a cold shoulder, or punishing whoever He supplies to fill that void. Our healing is waiting for us at the dock." Beth Moore

17From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 18When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. 19I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. 20You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

22"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

25"Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

32"Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

36When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship." Acts 20:17-38

Both the departing and the ones departed from have responsibilities. As I am walking to Bria's dock to see her off and walking to my own to leave, I have been beginning the process of reflection. Remembering the relationships that have had profound effects in my life, the blessings I've received, the sisters I've loved, and the miraculous works God has done - so deep in my soul. How faithful He has been to me. Moving to a new place with no friends and no concept of what it meant to be a godly friend myself, no church, a business travel widow, sapling Christian, yearning for a child... To today, having my hands in so many ministries, actually becoming a better friend, with a loving church family beyond my wildest imaginations, husband home twice as often, a true disciple of Christ with growing wisdom, and 2 precious children... WOW!

No, I'm not preparing a dramatic exhortation like Paul, but I do plan to share these memories with the people in them. It is for our healing and God's glory. Tears or no tears, kisses or none, prayer together on bended knee or in hearts silently. We walk side by side, in and out of sight, all in determined procession towards the Ship. Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God!

Bless you Lord, for messing up the long entry I had made before this so that I could recollect my thoughts and start again. Technology can be a tool of Satan or a tool of blessing. Everything Satan intends for our despair can be used for our benefit. I praise You from the deepest parts. Give me the thoughts, feelings, and words during this season that would most honor You. Thank you for the glimpse of spring today - it makes my spirit blossom with hope and light!