Today’s Reading: I Corinthians 16
As we recognize and celebrate our father’s and father–figures, I see this message of Paul’s as a father‘s blessing to his children.
Over my lifetime, there have been many times when I have gone on a voyage or gone away to college and I would have conversations with my father and then we were start our goodbye before the departure.
Many times this will start in the house in one room. Then we would say our goodbyes and then proceed to the front room of the house. Then in the front room, we will have another conversation for about 2 to 5 minutes. Then we say our goodbyes. Next, we would go out to the car and spend another 2 to 5 minutes speaking about another subject. Then we say our goodbyes and give our hugs. So the full goodbyes take about 20 minutes or so.
These times that we saying goodbye are those lasting memories that you have with that person. You save for each moment because you never know when it might be the last.
Over my life, I have had several memories of last conversations of my loved ones. I remember the last conversation with my grandmother that was over 22 years ago. I remember my last conversation with my wife’s grandfather which was over 11 years ago. I remember each of the conversations I’ve had with my mother and my father and my in-laws over the last several years. We are still fortunate to have our parents, but each time that we leave them, I embrace and remember the last final words and blessings that they give us. In this last chapter of Corinthians, we can see that Paul is giving these blessings and pieces of knowledge to the next people.
“Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come…
I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go…
But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost …
When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am….
Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity…
Let all that you do be done in love….
I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord…
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you…
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”
1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 5-6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 23-24 ESV
With these blessings that we received from Paul let us also remember the blessing that we communicate with others. Now that I am a father as well, I try to give small nuggets of wisdom each time my kids go on a trip or away from me for a period of time. Each one of these times I remember their face, their hug, and their smell.
I have learned not to take goodbyes and hellos for granted. I have learned that these special moments, even though they might take a moment to do these could be the things that last for a lifetime in my memory.
Lord allow us to be with you and be with others in our most vulnerable spots. Allow each of the conversations that we have to be meaningful and to be remembered. Allow us to enjoy each other as if each moment could be our last. May you continue to smile upon us and give us grace and give us peace. Amen.
Be blessed.