"How Do We Say, 'Goodbye'?"
We are pushed up against this question when we realize there will be a time when we will have to say it. It could come sooner than later. It could be a long way off. It could be when we have family and friends surrounding us around our final port of departure.
It might happen after everyone we know has gone before us and our final words will be but a faint echo barely noticed and hardly heard.
Forrest Church thought about this. He thought about how to say 'goodbye' to his church congregation. He chose that occasion to give them and us some good advice. His suggestions will direct my thinking for the sermon.
Three things we will want to understand:
1. In life we learn to want what we have. There is little room for extraneous things in life when life is on the line and there is little time left.
2. In life we learn to do what we can. There comes a time when we have to be realistic about our capabilities and to realize there are limits. Once we accept our limits we can live a realistic life that honors the good we can do and focuses that in ways that expand upon it.
3. In life we learn to be who we are. The possibility of the terminal time makes us put away pretense. All at once there are no games and there is no need to play them. We put away the pretence and learn to live with authenticity.
When we want what we have, and when we do what we can, and when we be who we are we have found peace of mind and then, what happens to us, good and bad, doesn't matter.
What do you think about these three directives?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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