First, I need to thank my Senior students Linden and Becca. Linden for posting this song on Facebook and Becca for sharing it with Linden. I’m not usually a fan of Regina Spektor, but this song brought tears to my eyes.
This song reminded me of some important things. The beginning reminded me of my call to teaching and my call to the race. I was reminded that I’m surrounded by people who love and support me and will continue to do so as I go out on this journey. Most of all, I was reminded that for the children of God, all goodbyes are only temporary, there is always a “next time”.
At our Senior Chapel service last week, I told the Seniors that they and I had an interesting relationship because my first year of teaching was their last year in high school. Now I see that there is a more obvious and more important relationship between us: we are on the verge of something bigger than ourselves. Many things that we have become comfortable with and taken for granted are going to be challenged and changed. We will have the chance to grow into a more mature worldview and become more effective vessels for God’s work.
To any of my students who may read this, to my family who is all over the place, to my friends in Louisiana, and to my brother in Georgia, know that I love each and every one of you, and remember that for those of us who keep the faith, there really is “no need to say goodbye.”
