Waving Good-bye

I received something tonight, that got me thinking about A LOT of stuff...But the first thing that came to mind to write about, was saying goodbye, how many different "goodbyes" are said, and really of those, how many are really ever actually "good"? From the first "bye-bye" of a baby, to the tear filled good-bye when you are losing someone, to the pain staking one of a romantic heartbreak.

I still remember the last thing I said to my dad before he passed away almost 5 years ago, there was a goodbye and I love you in there...but most important was the "just close your eyes and rest". Maybe he took that as his time to let go, because even though I told him I would see him in the morning, I never got the chance. Well, I saw him, but it was under different circumstances then I expected.

Then there was the goodbye to my single life. Which, really, I hadn't been single in years. And was one of the best and easiest "goodbyes" I have ever had to say.

There were more bad goodbyes (isn't that a Clint Black song?) along the way.
Having my best friend move away. And away. And away. AND AWAY...Losing my Granny. Seeing a good friend lose her father (who was also my dad's best friend). Watching some of our best friends, and one of the strongest couples that we knew say goodbye to over 10 years of marriage, and an even longer time together.

The last is the one that has me thinking...
More and more the past year or so, I've heard of, talked to people about, or seen messages, about people we know getting divorced. I hate the thought. I hate the hurt. Both from the parties involved and the feelings when you try not to choose sides, but can't seem to manage not to.

But then there is something. Hope.
This is on a friends (the one that moved away) MySpace page. And I think about it when times get tough.
"When God closes a door, He always opens a window … close your eyes and feel the breeze."
For the loved ones lost, the friends that move away, the relationships ended...there is always something else that comes along to help fill that void. Whether you find it by faith, or in your own way. There is always something to look forward to, no matter how bad things get. And for those divorces I've heard about, there are also the weddings I've been to, and the new babies being born...

I had to say goodbye to my job a few months ago, which was both a good and a not so good one. Along with that came a certain independence I had become accustomed to. I have to depend on my husband for everything now which is definitely taking some getting used to. But I also have a little one who depends on me. She is the good that has come from so many bad goodbyes in my life. Our lives. This little miracle, waved goodbye for the first time today.. To the fish. To the puppy. And then to Daddy as we went shopping.

So, for those who are facing some really challenging times right now, and questioning things, including your faith - remember this...

"When God closes a door, He always opens a window… close your eyes and feel the breeze."