Saying goodbye to someone you love can be awkward and difficult. Down deep you wonder, Will I ever see this person again? You almost wish you had never gotten so attached. It hurts so much to let go.

I thought of this as I looked at some pictures a young woman had collected during her high school years. She talked to me about several students from abroad who had become her dear friends. When I asked how she had grown so attached to them, she replied, "I don't know. But it sure was hard to say goodbye!"

Sooner or later, we all will experience the tears of separation. The apostle Paul nurtured and taught the believers in Ephesus for 3 years. But when he had to leave, "They all wept freely, . . . sorrowing . . . that they would see his face no more" (Acts 20:37-38).

As Christians, we have good reason to establish close ties, even though they will eventually be broken. Our hope in the resurrection to come assures us that someday we will be reunited in the presence of God.

Farewells can be very painful. But don't let that keep you from building close relationships with others who love the Lord. He makes those friendships worthwhile—both now and in eternity!  — Mart De Haan