Wendy Komori Stager –
The fall is a time of beginnings and of endings. St. Andrew’s family is witnessing many of our youth leaving for college. These parents have nurtured their children, but now it is time for them to begin a new adventure. This time of goodbye is often bittersweet. I remember a few years ago standing with many parents as our five-year-olds walked into Kindergarten for the first time. I wasn’t the only one with moist eyes that morning.
Goodbye is a combination of two words, “good” and “bye”. Farewell is a shortening of “fare the well.” Trekkies say, “Live Long and Prosper.” In these parting phrases, there is an implication of blessing. At the end of each worship service, we close with a benediction. Sometimes I use the words from Numbers 6: 24-26 24The Lord bless you and keep you; 25the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; 26the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Whether it is saying a simple goodbye or saying farewell to someone you won’t see for a long time, I encourage you to recognize the blessing of a meaningful goodbye.