Saying Good-Bye is No Fun

by David Burka

My honey has gone to the Ukraine; Scott & Liz have gone back to Memphis and Todd is off to visit friends in Kentucky, so here I sit in a big old house, and it is simply too quiet. I am sure there are many that would love the peace, but when loved ones are miles and mild away - it is not that much fun.

I wonder how the disciples of Jesus felt when He told them He was going to leave. I am sure there was much trepidation in the ranks. Jesus knew their hearts and prayed to the Father in John 17:11, "And I am no more in the world: and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to Thee Holy Father, keep them in they name, the name which Thou has given Me, that they may be one even as We are one." Jesus knew He had to go to the Cross, and that by doing so, He would redeem all mankind to Himself. What a wonderful reunion we will all have one day because of His sacrifice! But the point of the prayer was to give his disciples assurance that they would see Him again.

I am sure the Apostle Paul had the same effect on his companions. This small band of men had witnessed Paul preaching Christ to the whole known world. How sad they must have been, knowing the ultimate destiny of their leader. Paul recorded his last words in 2 Timothy 4:6-7, "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering and my time of departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." Paul also knew that in order to have a glorious reunion with his Heavenly Father, he must go away. He wanted to put his friends' minds at ease, confidently reminding them that this was God's plan.

Another important person in my life was Alan Gill, 86 years young when he passed away Thursday. Our paths crossed in the summer of 1969. When my mother e-mailed me of his passing, I had to pause and wipe away the tears. You see, Alan Gill taught me a lot about growing up and working hard. Mr. Gill was the manager of the Hallsdale Powell Utility District and I was "summer help". From the first day he worked me very hard, but he did it in love. He never micro-managed, just told me what needed to be done and left me to get the task completed. After dropping me off at some remote location with instructions, I was sad to see him drive off, but I knew if I worked hard he would always have a "well done, David" at the end of the day. That meant more to me than the paycheck.

Thirty-eight years have passed since that summer, but every time I pass Black Oak Ridge, I look at the water tank on top, and think to myself, "Yep, I am the guy that cleared the line all the way to the top". And more importantly, I can always hear Mr. Gill say, "Well done, David".

I will get to see my honey bun this Thursday in the Ukraine and Scott, Liz, and Todd will come wandering through Mt. Juliet in the near future. It will be great to see them, but pale in comparison to the final reunion we will all face at the judgment day. I am excited about seeing my family members, but to be in the presence of Jesus and see Him face to face . . . WOW! Peter tells me in 1 Peter 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, RESERVED in heaven for you."

The most important reunion we will ever face is the one with our Heavenly Father. After 38 years, I still cherish the, "Well done, David" that Mr. Gill always gave me. Can you imagine just for a moment how good it will be to hear those same words from God? Peter assures me we have living hope reserved in Heaven and I can't wait to hear the words of Jesus, "Well done thou good and faithful servant".