Hasta Luego vs. Goodbye
Life is full of farewells. A child goes off to college, gets married, heads off to a new job, joins the military or goes to the mission field. Friends move to another church or relocate to another city. A spiritual mentor takes a different position. Or a loved one passes away.
Next Monday my sweet mother will have surgery for colon cancer. The prognosis is actually great. As long as she survives the shock of surgery itself, she should not have to face chemo or radiation. Sarah Loftin is 85 years old.
I fully expect Mama to survive the ordeal of surgery, by the grace of God. So my ramblings here are not about death, but rather about the farewells of life.
Consider two phrases used for farewell. Goodbye is a rather dismal although well-intentioned parting. A few months ago our daughter Meme was packing up her car in order to head back to Mississippi State. In a moment of fatherly tenderness, I whispered to her, “Goodbye, baby.” To which Meme responded, “Daddy! Don’t be so….. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.” She had the right perspective.
That’s why I like the Spanish farewell. Hasta luego is full of hope and faith - “I will see you later.” Hasta luego reminds me of the certainty of sunrise no matter how dark the night. I think of the new heaven and new earth made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rev. 21:1-4).
No matter what shakes our world – earthquakes or surgery – Christians never have to say goodbye. On Monday January 18 I will kiss my mother and tell her, “See you later.” And I will.
Thank you for praying for Sarah Loftin, and her four children, Beverly, Pat, Kathy and James. God is faithful.
How can I be praying for you?
9 Responses to “Hasta Luego vs. Goodbye”
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Thanks for that reminder. Powerful words!
So glad you’re blogging now!
James,
My best friend Dennis Jones and I served together in the Army. Went through some rough times. Loved one another as only men who have “seen the elephant” can. we sharied duty that quiting time was 15 minutes apart at noon. Our parting was “save me aplace in the chow line”.
Fast foward 30 years, we, Dennis and I had been in business together, hunted and fished together, and other things! He did not stop smokeing and cancer got him.
His last words to me were, “I’ll save you a place in the chow line.” I am in tears as I write this, but I know that I have someone weating for me In Heaven.
Thanks for sharing about Dennis – someone to remember and look forward to seeing again.
What precious words that we can all hold on to at so many occasions in our lives. Thanks for sharing!
Walking with several families in the hospital today as they say “see you later” to a loved one. Thanks for the wonderful words of hope.
James, thanks for letting us know about your Mom’s surgery. I will pray for her and the family..As this will always be a ‘see you later’..may the outcome be the best it can be for your Mom..
Love to you all
Pam
James, I just said to my niece (Amanda 13 yrs. old),” I’ll see you later.” She is now in heaven playing. She wasn’t able to do that the last few months, and all she wanted was to be normal when so many want to be different this day and time. I will pray for your mom to have a quick recovery. Karen
Dearest James,
How did your Mom’s surgery go? Will you please let us know as I always love to know the outcome of my prayers.
I love you and yours,
Diane
I recently spent a week with my Mom in Alabama who is recovering from a stroke. She is tough and continues to convalesce, in spite of her 81 years. God has graciously helped me to get prepared for my final ‘goodbye’ for my loved ones, as He did when my wife passed 2 1/2 years ago. Anyhow, He always comforts us with the knowledge that He is waiting with a band of angels to say ‘HELLO’ when we say our last ‘goodbye’! I’m praying for your Mom!