a time for hellos and goodbyes
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 ESV
Although Summer is here, Spring is one of my favorite times of the year! It’s a time filled with the joy and hope of new life! This spring is especially exciting for us as our middle daughter says goodbye to her high school life and says hello to a brand new college world.
We found ourselves in a similar situation of hellos and goodbyes four years ago, when she left the small Christian school that had been her home since first grade. It was a difficult time for her. It was especially difficult as she left one of her closest friendships behind. Unsure of how to process the change in the friendship, she slammed the door on it, in efforts to minimize the pain. She walked away in a manner that she wasn’t proud of, and has lived with regret ever since. In processing this next chapter, she’s put a lot of thought into this season of hellos and goodbyes, not wanting to repeat the past. 
Our lives are not at all unlike this example. Whether it’s a job promotion, a divorce, a move or a death, life is filled with opportunities that require a hello, and also a goodbye. If you’re facing one of these situations, prayerfully consider what you may do to safely navigate the process as you face the hello, and mourn the goodbye.
by Sherry Libby
Sherry Libby enjoys teaching Cardio Strength classes in Greencastle, PA. She is certified in Group Fitness by ACE. Her motto is “Strive for progress, not perfection“. She is a busy wife and mom to three kids ranging from middle school through college. Sherry worked for many years as a nurse but hung up her stethoscope in 2008 to be involved in ministry. She loves teaching fitness classes and is involved in the Worship and Women’s ministries at her church. 
