Preparing To Say Goodbye For the Glory of God

How can you miss someone that you haven't even met? Let me tell you how. One of my sisters and her husband are preparing to leave for the international mission field with my nephew (2) and niece (3 mo.). I have not had the privilege of meeting my niece yet as she was born during the 3rd trimester of my pregnancy and I did not get to make the 4 1/2 hour drive to see them.

So, in August I get to meet the sweet girl and it will also be the second to last time that I will see her for...well, who really knows how long? More than likely I will get to see them again in 3 years I think. (It's good thing technology has advanced as much as it has so that we can have video calls through the computer!)

My selfish nature wants to scream, "No!", and hang onto them. But, I certainly don't want to be a hindrance in God's plan for their lives. Probably the only thing that makes preparing to see them go is the fact that they are going to bring glory to God. I can actually stand a little bit stronger and with a smile, knowing the purpose of their departure.

Truthfully, it was harder at the beginning just because I have always had a desire and passion to be on the mission field and she had not. *Gasp* Yep, you read that awful confession. ;) I was glad for them, but a little upset with God. But you know, God's timing is perfect and I don't want anything but His timing in my life. And hey, I have an expanding mission field here in my own house... :)

I scream, "Praise God!" because they are going. Praise God that they go to bring glory and honor to our Father in Heaven. Praise God because they go to do the work of Christ, to spread His name to those who have yet to know His goodness. Praise God!

How can that not make it easier to be separated from those you love? It is painful, but it cannot compare to the rejoicing in heaven that there will be when even one soul comes to Christ. The pain cannot compare to what He did for us when He willingly gave His life for ours on the cross.

So with one of the strangest feelings, this mixture of sadness yet powerful joy, I prepare my heart to say goodbye to my dear ones as the time draws nigh. I am proud of what they go to accomplish and Who they go to represent. I love you, B, J, B, & L!