The Bible teaches that there is a time and purpose for everything under Heaven (Ecclesiastes chapter 3). The older I get, the more I realize and embrace the time and purpose for each backside that I encounter…
As I have mentioned before on the blog, besides being a mother, I am a military wife and mentor. These two priveleges have given me countless opportunities to make new friends and to talk about God and His Word with women all over the United States.
Unfortunately, at some point our mentoring season ended or my husband’s assignment in that city ended. Though I still remain in contact with these women via phone calls, Facebook, or Skype, I still had to hug them, say “see you later,” and watch as they turned and walked away.
These bittersweet backside moments left me wondering:
Did I encourage her?
Did I help or comfort her in any way?
Did my friendship bring glory to you, God?
A One Degree moment:
I love someone’s backside and the change it symbolizes. I am learning to embrace “see you laters” and am finding freedom from the need for life to remain the same.
Life just isn’t going to remain the way it is now. I need to allow the Holy Spirit to help me let go, so I can embrace what God is doing now.
So next time you are watching a friend walk away or even when you watch your child achieve a milestone, I encourage you to pause. Rejoice over their backside and remember that life is not going to remain the same. The people in your life will change, and so will you.
May we allow God to help us embrace change and fill our hearts with joy despite our bittersweet tears.
Ok, so I have to pray ALOT for God to help me rejoice when saying “see you later.” (BTW, I dislike saying the words “good-bye”) I also assume that I will bawl my eyes out as I watch my children graduate or move away. Who am I kidding? Moving and change stinks. However, letting go is often a process. I am finding that change is tolerable once I allow the Holy Spirit to help my heart adjust. Go figure, right?
“There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on earth… A right time to cry and another to laugh.. A right time to embrace and to part… A right time to hold on and another to let go…”
~Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4a, 5b, 6b The Message
Can I pray with you today?
Lord, we thank you for the people you have placed in our lives. Help us to be vessels of your love, patience, and kindness in the lives of those around us. Help us to bring you glory while engaging in the relationships you have given to us. Lord, fill the hearts of those who are experiencing rejection, loss, or loneliness today with your perfect love and acceptance. Help them to know that they are never truly alone. I ask that you would bring someone to love and encourage them as they journey through this life. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The military is moving us once again. I would like to dedicate today’s post to all of the amazing friends I met during our time here in Texas. You made our stay wonderful! Thank you for sharing your life with me and for showing me the love of Christ in your own unique ways. I will miss y’all and the ginormous H-E-B down the street… I will be “seeing you later,” Tracy
Donna says
What a joy you have been — a true blessing in our lives! And, we praise God and trust Him for your new journey and the ones you will be ministering too. We have admired your love for God, and the way you demonstrate your love for Him thru your writing, teaching, and mentoring. What a gift!!!
Love to you until we meet again!!!
Tracy says
Thank you Donna, you are a gift to me as well. God bless you and Larry. I will miss you 🙁
Amanda Minner says
This is SO sweet!!! Thank you SO much Tracy!!! I love you & you have made a difference in my life & this is not the end, only a new beginning!!!
Tracy says
Love you too sweet girl. I will always remember our times at Whataburger…you know those workers probably thought we were weird, lol! Blessings Amanda and I’ll be seeing you later 🙂
Amy says
Good Morning Tracy Girl,
What a SEASON of transition this is for you! I am praying for you this morning as you continue to walk in the flow, the ins and the outs, of our loving God’s Spirit! ~ Blessings all over your day, Amy
Tracy says
Good morning Amy! I am so glad you were able to leave a comment. We have been having some tech issues with the site-so my apologies to those trying to leave a comment yesterday.:(
But yes, quite a lot of change, but am trying to keep my focus on our faithful and unchanging God. He goes before us!:) Thank you for your prayers and for your comment. Blessings all over your day too, Amy
Symmie Rae says
You will enjoy seeing my backside huh? Yeah yeah I get that a lot 😉
To answer your questions. Yes. Yes and I am pretty sure Yes.
Thank you For investing in us, knowing your time is short instead of playing it safe and keeping your distance!
Tracy says
Symmie, thank you for your kind words. I am so thankful that God crossed our paths. I have enjoyed studying God’s Word and eating Tex-Mex with you :). I will be seeing you later…