The days have grown shorter. Not long ago the sun would set after nine, but now by eight the sky has already turned dark. The air has grown cooler too. As the chill brushes against my shoulders and makes me draw them in, memories of the summer just past come to mind.

This summer I experienced many meetings and farewells. There were no fewer than nine short-term mission and vision trip teams who travelled from Korea. Knowing the cost and time they had given to come such a long way, I tried to ensure that from early morning until late at night they could see, experience, and take in as much as possible. Though our days together were brief, the depth of those moments made each farewell linger long in my heart.

I still vividly remember the excitement of our first greetings at the arrivals hall. Yet, before long, I find myself at the departures hall, watching them as they wave and walk away. The drive home after seeing them off feels strangely quiet, such a contrast to the cheerful noise of only a little while ago.

The same is true within the church. Familiar faces I thought would always be with us complete their studies or set out on new paths and return to Korea. Reports of their send-off from cell leaders should by now feel familiar, yet when I hear the words, “Pastor, this time it’s me,” my heart feels empty once more. However many times it happens, it is never easy. Faces I expect to see smiling again the following week are suddenly gone, and such farewells never feel natural. The space left behind is larger than one might imagine. Those who leave may go with hope and anticipation, but emptiness is left for those who remain.

In those moments I think of God the Father. What must it have been like when He sent His only Son, Jesus, into the world? Parting is always hard and painful, yet through it I learn a little more of God’s heart. In the midst of my longing, I find comfort in the greater love with which He holds me.

Now I stand at the edge of summer. The traces of farewell remain, yet alongside them lies the expectation of the autumn and winter the Lord will unfold before us.

“Lord, I entrust all who are leaving into Your hands. Wherever they may be, keep them in Your peace, and let Your comfort rest upon those who remain. Until the day we meet again, hold us warmly in Your grace. Amen.”