When Someone You Love is leaving

A friend changing schools. A sibling getting married. A family member moving to another time zone. It’s hard when people we care about leave the rhythms of our everyday lives. Even if we’re happy for them, even if we know the change will be good for them, it can still leave us feeling like part of our lives is missing. Yet God’s love and goodness remain. So how does God meet us in these times? And how can we lean into His help? Mourn the losses. I’ve found that it helps me to take some time to be alone with God and process the things that I will miss when the person is gone. From the big things to the small things, God cares about all of it. As I continue to tell Him about the losses, the Holy Spirit reminds me that God is with me, grieving my hurts alongside me. Sometimes the sadness feels like too much for me to hold, and in these moments, it’s been such a comfort to know that Jesus can hold all my sorrow (Isaiah 53:4). Notice the fears. Another thing I’ve started doing is letting myself consider what about this change makes me feel uneasy. “Will the other person be okay? Will I be okay? Will our relationship fall apart?” As I notice each of my fears, I can bring these to Jesus. So much is out of my control, but nothing is out of His. God helps me remember that He will continue to provide, to draw us to Himself, and to show us His goodness and love. Acknowledge the envy. Sometimes, I feel envious when I am the one left behind while others get to do something new and exciting. But I can bring this envy to God and tell Him how I’m feeling, and even ask Him to give me a glimpse of what He’s doing in my life in this season. As I come to Him, He reminds me that He is trustworthy to guide me in good paths (Psalm 23:3). Find ways to connect. When I look to the future, it helps me feel more hopeful when I consider ways I can be intentional about staying connected with the people I love. When something makes me think of them, like a song or a joke or a pretty tree, I can tell them. I can send letters, messages, or packages. Maybe we can find a new rhythm, like having a phone or video call once a week. In the Bible, we see that Christians often wrote letters to each other, sharing good news and bad news, asking for help and advice, encouraging each other, and expressing their love for one another and their desire to see each other again. • Hannah Howe • Does one of these four sections stick out to you? What caught your attention? Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life Psalm 23:6a (NIV)

Read Verses:

Psalm 5:1-Psalm 5:3; Psalm 23; Psalm 142:1-Psalm 142:3