Saying Goodbye

Saying Goodbye
A couple of events in the last few weeks and the one to come reminded me of this wonderful song! It was written by my friend, Chuck Sinclair, upon preparing to leave his college friends at graduation. It's especially poignant and wonderful for such an occasion!
One of our pastors, Pastor Jeff, recently had his last Sunday with us to take on new denominational responsibilities. This is a song he might have sung upon leaving all the wonderful people he and his wife, Beth, have come to know and love. But the potential reunion part of the song is, for me, an anticipation of the arrival of college friends this coming week that we haven't seen for probably 20 years! The prospect of reuniting with good friends, whether in this life or the next, is part of our glorious hope in Christ! "In that great gettin' up morning" we'll first see our Savior, then spend eternity with those who have also been redeemed, getting acquainted and reacquainted with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Parting is such sweet sorrow; knowing we'll see each other again is hopeful joy! (Forgive my tired voice . . . haven't been singing as much as I should lately.)
Saying goodbye to friends is a struggle.
Saying hello is always delight.
Wish I could stay or that you could go with me,
But I must go and hope you'll be alright.
Friends, friends-
People I hardly knew.
Seems like I've known you
Most of my days.
You made me feel welcome
The short while I stayed with you,
In so many words,
In so many ways.
Maybe someday we can get back together.
I trust that time will not change how we feel.
But if the Lord does not see our paths crossing
I will remember and pray for you still.
Words and Music by Chuck Sinclair
Arranged by Geri Rosser