Sunday morning. 10 minute break between Sunday school and the church service. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a flash of movement. I look out the door, and my eyes meet those of a Cambodian boy no older than 10. This boy looked so familiar.
My mind immediately flashed back to Spring Break 2008. I was on a mission trip in Denver. A 10 year old boy captured my heart. I fell in love with William. He and his smile had me wrapped around his little finger. When I heard the story of William’s home life, my heart was broken and my mind confused. How could his life be so bad, so messed up, so painful, and yet his smile be so big and bright?
William taught me so much – he taught me that joy is not circumstantial. He is the main reason I love Denver as much as I do. He played a pivotal role in igniting my passion for domestic missions. He is a huge reason I am on the World Race right now.
If you take time to sit with me and hear my “story,” you will hear me speak a lot about leaving and the effect it has had on my life. Most of my life has been spent moving, watching people move, making good friends, losing them, loved ones dying, etc…
Leaving.
It’s never easy.
It never gets easier.
I never see the good in “goodbye.”
Welcome to the World Race. Each month, we move to another country. Each month I fall madly in love with a country, a nation, a ministry, a family, a person. …and then we move. I have to say “goodbye” at the end of a few weeks, not knowing if/when I will ever see these people again.
My squad leader, Patrick, and I recently had a conversation about goodbyes.
God brings people into our lives for a season – some seasons are longer than others – and sooner or later, we get to be with that person again.
OR.
God will give us something or someone to remind us of that person or place we loved so much. In that moment, we can be thankful for that season.
Even though I sometimes feel as though I have lost a lot, I have really gained so much. Not only do I have the people who are currently in my life, but I have the memories of the people who once were. I have been blessed with amazing people who have left imprints in my heart and in my life. I am beginning to learn how to REJOICE in times of “leaving.” I am learning to be thankful for the seasons of love.
Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
Maybe one day I will see William again. Maybe he will remember me. Maybe he won’t. I hope, if not before, I will see William in Heaven. I guess that’s how the Kingdom works. God allows me to meet His sons and daughters all over the world. He gives me the honor of loving and being loved by them.
I only saw that small Cambodian boy for a few seconds, and then he disappeared. I really believe he showed up just so God could remind me yet again how much He loves me and how much I have been over-abundantly blessed in my lifetime.
Daddy God,
Thank You for the random Cambodian boy in the church doorway. Thank You for reminding me of William. Thank You for the reminder of Your faithfulness throughout my life. Thank You for reminding me that You have given each of us a story that is important to the Kingdom. Thank You for being a constant – the only constant in my life. Thank You for your goodness and love.
Love,
Samantha
