Grieving the Goodbyes (Again)

I said goodbye to my youth pastor yesterday, which was incredibly difficult. Even though I’ve only known him for a few years, it was still so hard. I tried to hold back tears as I thought about him leaving.

I drove away from our church pondering the reality that I may never see him or his family again. I can’t remember specific events that impacted me so much. I just know that he and his family have impacted my church and desired to help us grow closer to God. He wasn’t supposed to leave so soon. He was supposed to stay at my church forever…right?

Are Goodbyes Supposed to Be This Hard?

When I went away to college last year, I grieved many goodbyes. Even though it’s my youth pastor who’s leaving this time, it’s still hard to say goodbye. I have to trust that he’s following God’s leading—even though he’ll be far away from us.

Have you ever had to say goodbye to someone who was leaving? Maybe it was a sibling who was joining the military or going away to college. Perhaps it was a parent who was starting a new job or a friend who was moving to a new home. Goodbyes are hard, even when you’re not the one leaving.

Sure, my youth pastor and his family are just a call, email, or text message away. I could catch up with them via video chat and see their faces. I could even visit them sometime. But they won’t be with me.

Who will be with me? Who will be with them?

Jesus will.

With Us Always

“…behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 ESV)

There is One whom my youth pastor will never have to say goodbye to. He doesn’t have to worry about being alone because Christ will be with him to the end of the age—even at a new church that’s many hours away.

My youth pastor knows what his goal should be: to draw people to Christ. And in this new season of life, he can do exactly that. Glorifying God and leading others should be my top priority. Even in seasons of change—and grief—we’re still called to share Christ with others.

Before I end this post, I wanted to say this to my youth pastor and his family:

I know that you’re well aware of this, but I just wanted to say that I’m going to miss you guys. I’ve enjoyed our last few years together, and our church won’t be the same without you. This is going to be hard transition, but God is with you. He’s with you in your new home and at your new church. He holds you as you say the hard goodbyes and the hard hellos. Jesus will never ever leave you. I know that you’ll be a blessing at your new church. Remember that Jesus is with you. Always.