Goodbye’s are funny. There’s a lot of negativity associated with them, but should that be the case?
When one ends a chapter in a book it’s the beginning of another chapter, a broadening of the story we’re hopefully engulfed in. If we finish the book we get the needed closure and resolution of a fantastic story. So, why is it that we humans get so very anxious about endings? We can be apprehensive about the ending of a relationship, or friendships, a job, heck… a slice of delicious cheesecake.
The only time, I’ve noticed, that an end is really celebrated is New Year’s, a simple transition of a year to the next, becomes this celebratory occasion. I’ve noticed, there’s a hope and anticipation tethered to it as well; but why? Why is it that humans believe that just because 365 days have passed, that the next 365 days will magically be different?
Perhaps, our unfounded hopefulness is simply another obstacle (deterrent) from the ONE who is actually the manifestation of all hope?
Change is hard, I’m not pondering “change” I’m thinking about endings.
I believe, that for those whose hope isn’t misplaced, every ending really is, a new beginning. Think about it, if we have placed our hope and trust in HE who never changes, loves us perfectly, wields this magnificent, abundant gift of grace, then an ending can only be for a good and right reason. Now, that doesn’t mean we magically, and through osmosis, KNOW the reason, but we trust the author writing the book.
We trust that HE really does love us and wants us to live in complete gratitude and humility over the abundance of grace HE lavishes on us.
Now, please don’t be confused, just like every good and loving father you may want a slice of chocolate cake right before dinner, a good dad wouldn’t let you have that. That isn’t a father desiring misery for his child, that’s a dad who loves his child enough to withhold what isn’t good. That’s our Heavenly Father.
Do we trust HIM? Is HE where your hope lives? Regardless of endings… do you really believe HE is working everything out for your good? And if you do, are you living that way?
New Year, same Christ… thank God!