As the past week, my last state side, has flown by I have been occupied in saying arrivederci to so many friends- old and new. It has been fairly exhausting, but the excitement of this new beginning has helped to sweeten the sorrow. In the midst of this long week of good-byes I was reminded of a story from the life of C.S. Lewis. He would often meet with his friend Sheldon Vanauken(Van), author of the marvelous A Severe Mercy, at this local Oxford pub on Thursdays. On the occasion of their last lunch before Van headed back to the U.S. for good, they departed from the pub and Lewis said, "Don't worry, we will see each other again." And then proceeded to walk across the busy street, leaving poor Van quite alone in his sadness. However, when Lewis reached the opposite side he turned and bellowed above the traffic, "And besides- Christians NEVER say goodbye!"
As I prepare to leave tomorrow afternoon from this place I know as home, and the people I love the most, I am comforted by this knowledge that indeed no matter how far we may be separated in physical distance the Holy Spirit, dwelling in our souls unites us in a bond far greater than any this world can offer. And this is a bond that distance and time, and indeed, even death cannot sever. So I say not goodbye, but only peace be with you.
In your charity please remember my classmates and I in your prayers for safe travels and greater trust in Jesus as we begin this new endevour for the Kingdom. Be assured of mine. -C
St. Raphael, I beg you, assist Chris/Andrew as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your updates; when Peter & Paul mentioned someone working with them from the north, I assumed the northern tier of US States; even though I grew up in St. Louis, I forgot how parochial the thinking could be - they meant North St. Louis!
So, I'm njoying sharing St. Louis & Catholic ties with you!
God Bless!!
Chris, lovin' the blog! Great idea!!!
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