The Goodness of Goodbye

A piece inspired by MindfulMFT, Photography by Javier Edwards

Goodbyes have never been easy for me. I remember crying when my mom dropped me off to pre-school and every time my brother drove off to college. Goodbyes are not my favorite thing;  they always seemed so finite, so complete. For me, some goodbyes brought feelings of uneasiness while others carried feelings of rejection or pain. 

Goodbye, in its simplest form, involves change, a concept we humans have a hard time accepting or embracing. But, change is inevitable, right? Whether we choose to accept it or not, with life, comes change. Time passes, people come and go, and life continues. You see my friend, goodbyes are a part of life's cycle.

As painful as they are, goodbyes are sometimes the gateway to something greater: A greater love, a greater opportunity, a greater life.  As painful as it may be, we must learn to let go of things and people, especially those who no longer serve purpose in our lives.

It's normal to question goodbyes. Finding fault in ourselves, or blaming God for the discomfort they bring. But, have you ever thought, just maybe, that person or that situation simply could not accompany you to the next destination God has mapped out for you?

Never discredit goodbyes or the lessons they bring; I believe they were placed in our lives to teach us something and to prepare us for our next journey. With every goodbye, there is goodness. Romans 8:28 tells us “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."

So, next time you find yourself pondering why and how, remember that it's all a part of God's perfect plan. 

Goodbye may not be the end of the story, but the hello to new adventures! 

Embrace that Goodbye; it's the purest form of I Love you. 

Love, 
Lauren Alyssa

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” –MLK Jr.