Saying Goodbye

I do not enjoy goodbyes.  I remember the first time I said goodbye and knew that it would be years before I saw the people I was saying goodbye to.  It was at the Moncton airport and I was about to board an airplane to go off to college.  Those I was saying goodbye to thought that I would be back, but I knew in my heart that I was making a change that would last a long time, 15 years this year actually.  I remember getting on the airplane and crying all the way to Calgary, which is about a 8 hour flight.  I don't know what the person sitting next to me thought, nor do I care, I let it all out.   So in saying I do not enjoy goodbyes, what I am really saying is that I hate the fact that I turn into a blubbering cry baby at them, because I know that sometimes they are for a long, long time.

I am in the middle of a goodbye, right now.  My in-laws are leaving Claresholm AB, where we live, and making the trip to Summerside PEI to stay.  This will be the last time we see them for a while and it is making me very sad.  Some may say that they would be glad to be rid of their in-laws, but not me.  My in-laws have been awesome to my wife and I over the years.  They have always been there for us, through thick or thin, they became Mom and Dad to me, when I could not easily reach out and see my Mom and Dad, who are very awesome too!  I should add, in case my Mom is reading this!

I am happy for Harold and Fran, who are so excited for this step in their lives.  They have their health and they are vibrant and positive people who are easily loved and love easily.  I will miss them very much.  I do know, that  we will see them, in the summer, but it is never the same.  Things have changed and so must we.   Anyway, in a few minutes they will be leaving in their new motor home and making a two week trip across Canada.  I will have to say goodbye again, and once again I will be reduced to tears and sniffling, but that is alright.  God is good!  He loves us, He loves Harold and Fran, and my prayers and love are with them wherever they are.

Treasure the people you love and are friends with.  Tell them often that they are important and valued by you, because you never know when you will have to say goodbye, perhaps for a day or a week or a month, and inevitably one day for eternity.  So goodbye Harold and Fran;  May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.  We love you, I love you, drive careful and see you soon.

Soul Surfer is a Hang 10!

Wow, is all that I can say after seeing the movie soul surfer.  What a great testimony of a family who goes through a terrible tragedy,  yet through their faith and hope in Jesus Christ, are able to thrive and grow together.  From the opening scene to the closing credits, Christ is lifted high and we are able to see a real family who loves Jesus, live the life in a real way.  It was absolutely refreshing and my heart was encouraged.  If this is the type of movie that can come from Hollywood, then there is hope!  I totally recommend this movie to all churches and youth groups and families.  It is an amazing story with a great message.  I laughed, I cried and I praised God and I had to clap at the end, which drew some looks, but I didn't care.  I liked it so much I paid for my in-laws, Harold and Fran, who never go to the movies, to go and they were blown away.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!