Going, Going, Gone ...

... and other life realities!

Aren't we cute? Chris and I, along with Parker and Libby just got back from a week's conference in Germany.


Parker and Libby on the plane.


Chris with Parker and Libby in the Vienna airport.



No, this is not Narnia. This was the sight we got to see every day! This is outside Frankfurt, Germany in a little village resort area.

Our company, in its wisdom, holds conferences for those who have been newly employed. The week is designed to refresh, refocus, and remind those of us employed why we are doing what we are doing. We didn't know we needed such a week until after attending it!

Here are the obvious blessings we gained from the week:
We got to reconnect with friends we went through training with in Richmond, Va. We got to attend sessions that refreshed our souls. We got to worship in English. We got to have our children be loved on by a stateside group that volunteered their time. We didn't have to cook.
Here are some unexpected blessing we gained from the week:
Realizing how deeply those friends from Richmond have been knitted into our hearts. And, having room in our hearts to make some new friends as well! Hearing from authentic leaders within our company and seeing a real vision for knowing God. Worshiping the Creator in a picture perfect environment. Seeing our children act more like themselves as they connected easily with other kids who are just like them! We didn't have to cook.
A few things that struck me as I look back:
My life, as I know it on planet earth, is always marked by goodbyes.
Addison stayed in Austria with friends while the rest of the Elledge clan went on retreat. The older she gets, the more independent she becomes of me as a Mom. Our future will only lead to more partings. My time with her is sweet and I don't want to waste a single moment.
We, once again, bid farewell to our old and new friends alike. Perhaps it's that feeling of being known, knowing that you will not live side by side with one another, that brings the sadness. However, I think it's the routine of saying goodbyes that makes an impact on your flesh. There is a marked connection on a heart and soul level that takes place between Believers in Christ. It's unexplainable and welcomed. When you return to a place you call home and feel so subtly the feeling of being "known" it does bring a certain reality into your life.
In light of all the emphasis put on goodbyes, and the very title of this blog, let it also be known that I am anxiously looking forward to what lies ahead! Along with the goodbyes, the other life reality is that there is always something to refocus my eyes on ... that somthing in my life is actually a someONE. God loves me, has a purpose and meaning for me, and despite who I say goodbye to or who I am known by ... I will never be said goodbye to by Him, nor will I ever not be known by my Creator. What an awesome reality!

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3 comments

  1. What great insight about the week. I love how you worded it all...I'm still trying to think how to put everything into words. I miss you already...I'm glad you liked the mug...hope it reminds you that you are loved, because, I agree, the part of this job that sucks is the constant goodbyes, but God is good and I'm thankful that I can know I have friends literally all around the world who love me...not many people can say that...but me and you can ;)

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  2. Oh goodie you have a blog too. I like face book, but blogs are my fave! You guys look so good and your girls are such cuties :)

    Jennifer Seitsinger (code name DeeLight)

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  3. When I first posted I hadn't taken time to read your words. I was just exsighted to see you have a blog. I know it must be difficult for your family as you say goodbye and move forward with God's work. Your ending words are so true for all of us..."I will never be said goodbye to by Him" No matter our situation He is always our constant isn't he? Thanks for the reminder.

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