Ecclesiastes 3:1 says to EVERYTHING there IS a season. A season by definition is a period of time. Another use of the words is to mature, ripen, or condition by exposure. So a season is a period of time to mature, ripen, and condition by exposure. If a fruit is not consumed when it is ripe, it rottens and is no longer suited for use. Not even consumption.
The power of goodbye is a powerful tool. It is the ability to embrace finality on any level and be at peace with letting go. Learning how to say goodbye means you have matured and been conditioned for a period of time by whatever you were a part of or exposed to – a job, person, event, location, group, etc. From layoffs to break ups, and from relocations to death they are all events that require you to take a deep breathe, reflect, and then say goodbye. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.” Unless you are willing to go beyond where you have already been or have already done or experienced, you will never grow.
Now this doesn’t mean that it won’t hurt, make you feel sad, or in some cases glad, nevertheless even sorrow and feelings last but for a season. How long you stay in that season is up to you. Even regions exposed to constant temperatures, at some point change. All things will and must change, including you, your circumstances, and your situations. Like a fond farewell after a graduation or a delightful visit from family or friends. Though it brought comfort, a certain sense of peace and happiness or tolerance, be OK with saying goodbye.
Goodbye is necessary so you can say Hello. Jesus said, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth, it is expedient (in your best interest) that I go away (say goodbye). For if I go not away, the Comforter (Holy Spirit) will not come unto you. But if I depart I will send him to you." Fifty days after Jesus ascended, the Day of Pentecost occurred. When the Holy Spirit came, people were being healed by the Apostles’ shadow! The Holy Spirit could not come until Jesus left. Your greater cannot get here if it is occupied with your less than or just enough. Ruth’ s husband had to DIE before she even considered being somewhere else. Do you realize that though Naomi’s son was good, but Boaz was better? God had to tell Joshua. Moses is now DEAD. GO FORWARD TO THE PROMISE! Manna and quail in the wilderness was good, but a land of their own with the ability to have limitless supply was better.
Robert Cody once said, “have the courage to live. Anyone can die.” When you say goodbye, its not so you can give up and quit and bury yourself in hopeless pity. It’s your P Diddy moment to say Hello! Good Morning! Hello to a new opportunity, a new era, a new chance, a new day, a new habit, a new experience, a new level, a new purpose and goal, a new way of thinking and living and area to succeed in. Even hair when cut grows back, stronger and longer. So you must do the same also.
My prayer for you today is that you exercise your power to say goodbye and hello. Everything, no matter how good, bad, or comfortable or uncomfortable, will one day end. The question is will you mature for good use, or stay there and rotten?
For more or to listen to India Arie’s, Good Morning, go to http://www.h23livingeveryday.blogspot.com/
