Today, we will talk about how goodbyes are always sad, but hellos bring new adventures.
"Goodbye Sam, Hello Samantha" is a song by Cliff Richard. Remember him? It was released as Richard's 50th single in May 1970 and peaked at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart. The song spoke about letting go of the friendships of our youth for new ones because we change as we grow older, and our needs change along with us. Which young man hasn't fallen in love with a woman who has succeeded in putting all his male friends in distant second place? Or vice versa?
Whether we like it or not, relationships end. They can be very painful, especially when we are not given any choice in the break-up. So what can we do?
One, forgive and bless. When our hearts are broken, we can turn bitter and hateful, which only prolongs the misery. If you want to be done with the pain fast, forgive the person and genuinely wish them well.
Two, look at the relationship objectively. Very often, the heart-breakers are abusive and manipulative people. We are so love-starved that we will accept the abuse and manipulation. Say, "No, thank you! I deserve better!" Or, if you prefer, "Good riddance to bad rubbish!"
Three, realize God may be involved in the breakup. Not all relationships are healthy, and God cares more about our souls than our hearts. A little heartbreak is a small price to pay for eternal life.
Four, follow God's advice about loving him "with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength" (Luke 10:27). If our hearts are filled with love for God, it mitigates the effects of heartbreak and brings about healing faster. (It might even help prevent heartbreak!)
Five, look forward. If you are in a lovely relationship that has survived the vagaries of time, may God continue to bless you with love and peace. However, don't bother picking up the pieces if the relationship has broken irrevocably. As the old proverb says, there's no use crying over spilled milk. Mop it up and get it out of sight, or it will thicken and start to smell . Know that there is something better in store. Goodbyes are sad but look forward to new hellos and the freshness they bring. Goodbye Sam, Hello Samantha!
God bless you.