Farewell is one of those words that can be trivialised into a casual goodbye or can be laden with personal meaning, like when a deep and lasting relationship is ended. With such a parting there is a gut-wrenching emptiness left behind. There are promises and hopes of future meetings, but they never happen.
A 'goodbye', 'farewell', can also be the parting of a group who have shared a lot together. They've shared endeavours, expeditions, hopes, some of which came to nothing, but now they must part. Such partings are like an oozing sore. In time, they will heal, but the healing can be painful. It's like when there is a parting of personal friends. These cost the most and are riven with heartbreak. It can cause pain over many months, perhaps even years.
Special time
In the middle of July last year I can recall bringing my dog, Uisce, out for a walk. You could see from her attitude of friskiness that she knew that this was a special time. Her tail pointed to the wind, her haunches looked set for a long walk or a run in the fields, her ears didn't need explanation. Who could imagine that less that six months later I would be where I am now, fighting against a life-threatening illness.
Uisce is gone, so is my car and I am left trying to answer the deeper questions like, what is God's plan for my life? I must believe that, somehow, God is directing what is happening at the moment. I have often talked about listening to God, hearing his voice in the circumstances of our daily lives, and this is right, but it becomes more difficult as the circumstances toughen.
Thanksgiving
So, why is it that I have come to say goodbye? All I have to say in relation to my illness I have said and I know that many of you have listened intently. Apart from a time of goodbye, there is also a time of thanksgiving. I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have written to me, who have been praying for me, who have called to me. I have experienced the strength of your prayers. I have a much greater awareness of our closeness as brothers and sisters in Christ. Many have complimented and praised me, well beyond what I could ever deserve.
This is my last article, because I am no longer in a position to continue. My hands are slipping from the computer and my vision is not what it used to be. This goodbye is not a parting because I am taking you with me in my heart. We will continue to pray for each other and raise each other up to the Lord. We will continue to rejoice in his goodness.
Farewell.
