A Journey of Goodbyes

Are we ever really ready to say goodbye?

I don't know about you but there have certainly been times when saying goodbye actually thrilled me because I knew I was moving into a different phase in my life. It was a time when I looked forward to the changes that lay ahead. I knew in my heart that God had a plan for me and I couldn't wait to see it all unfold.

But as you know there have also been times when goodbyes have been painful as well, I'm sure you can relate....you know the goodbyes we are not ready to say. If only we had another minute, another hour or another day to say or do all the things we wanted.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

This journey back to Michigan feels as if it's another goodbye for me, it's amazing how the emotions just come flooding back when you are about to face issues you've been dreading. For me it's saying goodbye to the home where I grew up, it's saying goodbye to all the things that remind me of my parents. It's also saying goodbye to the mom (my mom) as I knew her growing up and accepting who she is today. This has been the hardest goodbye of all. We all know our parents age but watching the process can oftentimes be painful especially when it's not how you pictured things to turn out.

Isn't it interesting that we all have our own thoughts of how life is supposed to unfold and most often it doesn't turn out that way.

If we're honest, how many of us fight it or get upset when it isn't what you wanted for yourself or your family? I know I've been there. But God has a way of reminding us that our plan does not always aligned with his plan and his plan always trumps ours!

It's in that moment that I am reminded yet again to surrender. Surrender my hopes & dreams for my future and to accept Gods plan. I've also realized there is a grieving process that takes place when we surrender the future we wanted for the future that is actually unfolding in front of us.

Proverbs 4:25-27 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

If you find yourself questioning your own future, I hope you know it's okay to be saddened when it doesn't turn out the way you hoped, but I would caution you not to stay there. I would encourage you to embrace the future God is unfolding for you, always look for the silver lining!

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime