Sunday Scribblings: Goodbyes

There was a time in my life when there were far too many goodbyes than I cared for. I spent a lot of time and energy wondering why people had to leave. Why did it have to feel so sorrowful? Back then, I had not a clue or vague understanding of the world as I know it now. Back then, I had no idea of the myriad of challenges that were forthcoming.

It all seems so crystal clear to me now: when we have to say goodbye to someone, another opportunity to say hello to someone new presents itself. All we need to understand is that people come across our paths for specific reasons. Every encounter is a learning lesson and a chance to grow. Some people come in and stay forever. Others come in and leave just as quickly as they came. If we can see the beauty of the lesson and how that person touched us, goodbyes don't seem like a sorrowful thing at all. In fact, my ability to understand these connections is probably the main reason why I never feel mad at anyone for anything negative that has been done to me. I've also had the experience of saying goodbye to someone special thinking it was the last time I would ever have contact only to find a year or so later another hello to the same person.

Trust your path that was intended for you, even if you don't have a single inkling where it's taking you. Find joy in the encounter with others, no matter how long the relationship endures or how happy or sad it made you feel. Take comfort in the fact the "goodbye" is not just about you...the other person has a specific path that they have to travel too. Goodbyes are a two way street.