Jan’s mom and my mom had to say too many hard goodbyes to their children over the years. Jan and her siblings lived in a boarding school in Honduras for 7 months of the year while her parents served as missionaries in El Salvador. In the 1950s there were no homeschool programs available to keep the Parry kids close and educated. Later in life, when Jan and I worked as missionaries in the Caribbean and Eastern Europe, my mom had to say her share of goodbyes. Jan’s mom would always wear sunglasses to hide her tears as she waved goodbye to her children for yet another time of extended separation.  I can still see my mother’s sweet face standing alone on her porch in Kalispell, Montana waving goodbye to me as her image grew smaller and smaller in my rearview mirror as I drove away. I could see her face crumble in emotion and tears knowing each goodbye could be our last one. 

As we all say goodbye to another year, we will view the experiences of 2022 from the porch of our individual life experiences. Some of you lost loved ones. Careers changed. Others said goodbye to places of familiar fellowship. In some cases, the security of a life once known drove away and left someone feeling empty and exposed. In all the adjustments, losses, and uncertainties that took place in 2022, as believers, it is important to make sure we know where our hope is placed before we enter the uncharted waters of 2023. 

Both our mothers followed Jesus until their very last breath living God-honoring lives and sacrificially loving their families. Amidst the tears of each goodbye, they knew with certainty that someday we will all be together – forever – to never again have to experience the tears of separation. I cannot imagine trying to live this life without that kind of hope. With that understanding in mind, Jan and I welcome the New Year knowing the One who is our Hope will faithfully lead the way.