Open, the Hospitable HeartSýnishorn

Influential Farewell

I hate to see you go. Let’s be together again soon. The Lord be with you ‘til we meet again.

We tend to well remember the final scenes and last things said. Whether we read a book, watch a movie, or listen to a sermon, we remember that last emphasized point—that is because the writer/producer/speaker planned to leave this very impression.

The same is true in hospitality. Eventually it is time to say goodbye to our guests. The parting at the door and watching visitors head away is a precious moment that can be seized to influence and encourage. Intentionally sharing a positive last thought or closing in fervent prayer can impart inspiration, hope, comfort, and wisdom as guests head back to their home and routine.

For many years now I have lived 1,100 miles from some of my closest family and friends. It is heart wrenching to say goodbye to them. I dread the last check through the house to see if we forgot anything, stinging tears in the driveway or airport drop-off, looking back at faces on the sidewalk—the parting can be especially painful when we don’t know when we will be together again. Who hasn’t endured goodbyes like these? They are imprinted on our souls.

Some years ago, the Lord graciously gave our family a small goodbye gesture that became a comforting tradition. It all started when my mom, sister and I were antiquing, and I noticed a pair of three-inch, hand-painted, ceramic musicians on a display shelf. One was playing a little horn and the other an accordion; they were such joyful little caricatures. Turning them over, I found they were made in the 1940’s. I thought they were interesting so I showed them to my mom and she ended up purchasing them. I forgot about the “little men,” as they came to be known, until the next visit when I spotted them on a desk in my mother’s home. I marched right in and accused her—in jest of course—of stealing my antique store treasure. After all, I found them and she bought them for me. She was shocked. They were hers, of course! When I unpacked my suitcase back at home, the little men were wrapped in a sock in the toe of my shoe!

From then on trading the little men became our departure game. Whoever had current possession of them tried to pass them off for the out-of-towners to find. I am smiling as I write this. Such a little gesture took some of the sting from aching departures for years. In a way, sending the little men on their way assured us we would all be together again soon. When my mother recently relocated to Tulsa to live with us, the little men came to rest at long last in her new home.

Thank goodness most goodbyes are not painful. Nevertheless, they are natural ends that seal events and opportunities to reinforce relationship. Sometimes the final words and gestures are simple and organic, even funny. Other times Holy Spirit prompts a specific impactful message to share to emphasize our love or impart vision.

The Lord is so intentional in Scripture to record the farewells—both beautiful and sobering:

• Isaacs’s final blessing as Jacob runs for his life
• Hannah’s worship as she parts from little Samuel
• The poignant farewell between Naomi and her daughters-in-law
• Moses’ historical review, warnings, and final instructions to Israel just before his death
• Paul’s goodbyes to specific churches and individuals and his strong warnings and encouragements

But the most precious and profound are Jesus’ words of parting to His disciples just before His crucifixion and ascension. Ultimately, the Lord promises to never leave us or forsake us.

Practice hospitality (Rom. 12:13).

• Beyond the traditional “amen,” you could conclude your daily time with the Lord with a more creative parting—I know a simple, “I love you so much,” “I loved our time together,” or “I am already looking forward to our time together tomorrow,” blesses Him. Sometimes I blow Him a kiss or make a bow. Yes, He is omnipresent, so He always remains with us—in us—but our closing words expressed within our personal relationship with Him uniquely express affection and anticipation.
• Prayers offered on the spot at the end of the visit in a loosely formed circle, hands clasped if desired, give God His rightful praise and release our guests into God’s care.
• The last hug or handshake at the door or walking out to the car together leave the assurance that the visit was special and the relationship important to us. Even remaining outside, when possible, for a final wave until guests are out of sight tucks an extra measure of hospitality into the hearts of those departing.
• When we don’t know when those we love will be with us again and our heart is breaking, it helps to put a date on the calendar for the next visit. It takes a bit of the sting out of parting.
• After enjoying someone else’s hospitality, text a few sentences about how the visit was a blessing—or write a thank-you note and mail it.
• Once in a while, try to slip an encouraging note or small gift into the suitcase of a departing overnight guest. It’s such a nice surprise to find when unpacking.

My dear reader and friend in the Lord, it is time to bid you farewell. Thank you for making this journey into the principles and joys of hospitality with me. My parting blessing for you: May the hospitality of the Lord take your breath away and bring you into His heart, our home. May the Holy Spirit anoint you with the gift of hospitality for His pleasure and glory. May your hospitality bear much Kingdom fruit. May your hospitality enrich the relationships of those you love most and include the “least of these.” May you entertain angels unaware. I leave you with my love in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Enjoy some biblical farewells in our Scripture reading for this day. Oh, let us gather this impartation of wisdom as our own.