Saying Goodbye



I really don't like goodbyes.  Really.  I say them, and tears fly, and the world looks rather bleak for a while.

One thing I'm learning about religious life is that it's about availability to do whatever you are called to do in the interest of the Kingdom of God--and that this availability necessarily demands many hard goodbyes.  It means being able to go wherever God calls you.  At the same time, it means building relationships with those with whom you live and minister.  So...build a relationship, and then say goodbye to the one you love.

What I still am working to grasp is that the one you love is still with you--in your heart, but also available through phone, skype, email, whatever!  That the goodbye is not forever and not a complete separation.  The bond of love in the Heart of Jesus is still strong.

Today we say goodbye to one of our community members who's been here on sabbatical from the Korean Province.  She has been so much fun, so prayerful and loving, such a wonderful person to be around.  Life here just won't be the same without her.  I have learned from her about generosity and joy, about the Sacred Heart, and about our internationality.  I am so grateful that she has been with us.

At Mardi Gras!


She will remain in our hearts!  And maybe I'll get to visit her in Korea one day!

Comments

Kimberly said…
What a great, silly/happy picture to have marking an important time! I am glad for both of you that you were together this while...
June 1, 2011 at 8:46 AM
Sister Juliet, RSCJ said…
Thanks, my dear. Me too. Hate those goodbyes, but I'm getting better with them. At least I know we're all still connected, even if that connectedness seems so intangible. Isn't this year about learning to trust, even the intangibles?
June 1, 2011 at 10:29 AM
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