What do you say when you say “good-bye?” I find myself extra conscious these days of
the words that I use when parting company with someone – my beloved daughters,
my friends, the cherished members of my family.
Perhaps it is a result of reflections upon the devastating Oklahoma
tornado, and the lives lost in a moment with no opportunity for “one more word.” Perhaps it is finding myself in middle
age. Maybe it is simply a result of
having bid farewell to another group of students at the end of another academic
year, but whatever the cause, I find myself conscious of how I – and others -- say
“good-bye.”
I watch the “comings and goings” in
the school parking lots at the beginnings and endings of days. I see parents standing at bus stops with
their children. I watch “drop offs”
outside my office window, and in moments of introspection, I find myself
wondering, if this is the last good-bye,
will it be a good one? Will the
words uttered be words of love, care, and concern? Will they be words of affection, grace, and
blessing, or will they be terse, harsh reminders of things undone, deeds fallen
short, expectations unfilled?
In recent months, I have been gifted
with a new word of parting from my spiritual director. We meet once a month to reflect upon
experiences of the presence of God, wholeness, balance, and grace. At the end of each conversation as I go on my
way, she places one hand upon my shoulder, opens the door with her other hand
and says, “go gently. Go gently.”
What a
gift! What a word of promise and
blessing – go gently! Go gently into your day. Go gently into your work. Go gently into your home-going. Go gently into your parenting. Go gently into your praying. Go gently into your playing. Go gently into your loving. Go gently with others. Go gently with yourself. Go
gently. Go gently.
Wherever you
find yourself today, amid whatever tasks or leisure, joys or sorrow, may this
word be a gift to you, and may you in turn offer it as a gift to others. Go
gently!
And in all of your good-byes – big or
small, momentous or routine – may God bless your going out and your coming in,
from this time forth and forevermore.
Go
gently!
