One of my favorite things to do when picking someone up from the airport is people watch. Everyone has their own way of making the goodbyes a little more… bearable. Now that our children are adults, the end of each visit is marked by a conversation about the next time we plan to gather as a family again. Goodbyes can be difficult.
I remember a “goodbye” practice I had with my daughter, years ago when she was in pre-school. I would drop her off at my company’s daycare center – where she was surrounded by loving, Christian teachers and staff who knew her well — before heading off to work. Still, somedays, she just didn’t want Mommy to go. But, each day, I’d tell her, “Whenever Mommy leaves, she always comes back.”
On those weekday mornings, when she’d begin to get a little saddened about being dropped off, I’d say, “Don’t forget…” And then, she’d finish my sentence, in her sweet toddler voice, “Whenever Mommy leaves, she always comes back.” We’d both smile. I’d like to think it eased the pain of separation for the both of us. Thinking of those times reminded me of someone else who left with the promise to return.
During His 3 years of ministry, Jesus provided consistent reminders to his disciples that, one day, he’d have to leave them. Time and time again, He let them know that, someday, His departure would “be at hand.” But, just like my statement to my daughter, whenever Jesus made mention of departing, it was accompanied by a hopeful reminder. Here are some examples:
John 14:3 – And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Matthew 24:44 -Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Mark 14:62 – And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
So, these days, I put myself in my little daughter’s place. And, sometimes, I look up in the sky and imagine that I hear Jesus saying to me, “I had to leave, but just know… soon, I’m coming back.”
Encouraged? Share this with a friend. Remember to subscribe to receive a new blogpost each Monday and our monthly LifeSpeaker’s Love Letters – timely reminders of God’s unconditional love on the first day if the month. Follow on IG/TikTok @WilmaHollisLifeSpeak. More content available on Youtube @LifeSpeakTV. Stay connected and Keep the Faith, LifeSpeakers.
Love,
Wilma
