by Victoria Heinecke

You say goodbye, and I say hello.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1

“Good-bye” has become a word too frequently used, especially in the past few years. People move. They change jobs, churches and volunteer groups. The final good-bye may be the hardest of all.

In 1992, my husband and I made a new start with our family in Colorado Springs. We have no extended family here, and although we have relatives in Denver, the first months here were incredibly lonely. I joked that I had been dragged from my comfortable life in Michigan “kicking and screaming,” but eventually we settled in a new neighborhood. We joined a church and connected with several music and service organizations as well.

Shortly after moving, God revealed to me that we were called to be in Colorado by him. We were not meant to remain in Michigan, even though we thought we could move back and pick up where we left off.  Although I miss our former home, I know in my heart that we are meant to be in Colorado, at this time, in this season, to serve and give glory to God.

Did you ever make a decision to move somewhere and later realize, “Yes, this is where I am meant to be?” When I have had that feeling, our work almost seems to be effortless, and there is a joy that comes as an affirmation from God.

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.“
Jeremiah 29:11-12

Someday, we may be called to move again. Or perhaps we may live the rest of our days here. Either way, we remain attuned to God’s call, and with discernment, a “good bye” in one place becomes a “hello” in another.

Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado