If You're Staying...

I doubt I've mentioned much on this space about how I dread this time of year. Last year we were new and seemingly unaffected by the "mass exodus" that occurs when June rolls around and school ends and people leave.

But this year is different.

Our friendships over the last year have grown and now, for many of our friends, it's time to say goodbye. And no matter how many times you do it, it's still hard. There are no guarantees that they will find themselves back here in a year. God's plans for people change.

A friend sent me this article http://www.thecultureblend.com/?p=1383 I loved the insight it gave to those finding themselves getting ready to go on furlough or for those leaving the field for good.

The article got me thinking...what about those of us who are staying? How can we help our friends who are packing up this time of year...

1. FOOD
Nothing says love, especially here, like having your friends over for dinner. Or, if they're completely swamped with packing and cleaning, offer to take the meal to them. Make a loaf of something for breakfast on their final morning since heir fridge and pantry will be completely bare.

2. KID WATCH
Ever tried packing with a toddler or preschool aged kid? Yeah...their priorities of what to pack in a suitcase vs. what to put in the give away pile are quite different. Take your friend's kid for the afternoon then she can pack in silence...or take a nap.

3. CLEAN UP
Offer to clean your friend's house after they're gone. Better yet, host a cleaning party! A friend of mine, who is going on furlough, invited all of her girlfriends for some final girl time to clean her house. It's a great way to hang out and get a not so fun job accomplished at the same time.

My final calorie induced coffee before I got on the plane in 2013

4. FORGIVE THEM
When your friends talk about their first meal off the plane or consuming waffle fries and chicken sandwiches with a Venti frapp for dessert, forgive them for they know not what they say. After you listen to their dream meal, you can go back to making your homemade bread relishing in the fact that you will not be gaining all that furlough weight this next year!

5. LET IT GO
So your seemingly nice friend who you had coffee with every week turns stressed/crazed/manic in the final weeks. She's tired, crabby and having to deal with her hubs stress AND her kids emotions as they look into transitioning to an unfamiliar world. You know she's not normally crazy. Love her, help her as you can, pray for her and with her...then to quote a famous movie...let it go. You know her real deal.

6. LOVE THEM
I will second what the author of the article said about making sure your friends know you love them. It may be hard to look them in the eye, but this may be the last chance you get to say "Hey-you were a part of my life. You made my rat killing, lice infested world more bearable." Life is too short, God's plans can change our human plans. Better to have given an awkward hug with tears running down your face than no hug at all.

As my friends pack and countdown their days, I'm reminded how grateful I am to have met some amazing people. Never would I have imagined the Godly friendships I'd make on this side of the globe. And I'm reminded that even if our paths don't cross on this side of Heaven, this is not our home. We will see each other again.