There really isn’t an easy way to say goodbye, is there? Whether you’re at the Security checkpoint in an airport, at a friend’s house, or driving away from your house, it isn’t easy. And saying goodbye for a long period of time (aka 11 months) complicates it even more. What is it about saying goodbye that’s so difficult?
It could be figuring out what to say to someone you won’t see for a while, giving them that long hug to show them how much you care, or that last look you take in not knowing when you will see their face next. I think the most difficult part is actually the act of parting. At some point in time, you both have to turn your separate ways and just go. You’re relationship is put on a hold for an indefinite amount of time. Of course, you can call or email or skype, but it’s not the same as being able to interact with someone face to face (there’s so many studies about how social media isolates us. Check it out sometime).
I know that’s the part that kills me every time. And that’s what I’ve had to do over and over again these last few days. I’ve had to turn my back, walk away from my girlfriend, and go through airport security. I’ve had to hug friends as they went home because I won’t see them for at least 11 month. I’ve had to drive away from my home for the past four years with my friends standing outside. I’ve had to drive away from my house with my family inside. This morning I had to hug my mom goodbye for a year and watch as she drove away from Terminal 2 at the San Diego airport. All of those weren’t easy. In fact, they all sucked.
To quote a wise man, “I hate goodbyes” (name the movie, anyone?*). I don’t like missing out on things with my friends, and I don’t like not being able to just hang out with them whenever I want. It’s especially weird when I won’t see them until next summer. That means I don’t get to experience another year of college for some of my friends, their first year in the real world for other friends, and my brother’s first year of college. Not to mention weddings, football games, holidays, and Friday beach days.
But that’s why I’m going on the race, isn’t it?
To experience more of God and less of myself.
To get out of my comfort zone and rely more on the one that has a grand plan for my life.
To see lives changed because of God and the things he has done in my life.
To set captives free, to bless the poor, and to heal the sick.
And that means saying goodbye to everything and everyone in my life so far. It means living out of a backpack for a year; sleeping in a sleeping bag and not having a bed; eating questionable things, and trusting God to take care of us when the storms are coming.
I’m sacrificing my comfort to see Christ move throughout the world.
But He is good, and His love never fails.
So when I’m bummed about leaving family, friends, and my home, I can turn to Christ and let His love and grace pour over me. He, not skype, is the great comforter, despite my hope in the latter to keep me connected.
Yes, goodbyes suck, but saying goodbye means more than just leaving what you know and love. It means you are turning your back on the known and facing the unknown, to experience new things, to meet new people, and to build new friendships. So while I’m sad to leave all that is known to me, I am beyond excited for the next year of unknown in my life. The next adventure in the life of Nick Rice begins today.
So, what do you think about goodbyes?
*How could you ever forget the wisdom of Lloyd?
