The vacation/reunion was more than I had prayed for! Preparation was filled with planning: dates that would work for all, the best tickets cost-wise, weather considerations, most comfortable and appropriate clothing etc. As the dates drew near, anticipation, riddled with expectations and joy, filled minds and hearts. Messaging increased and zoom calls were planned. My special brother had done an outstanding job of matching activities with days and time slots plus making this visit, a once in a lifetime experience! Time seemed to fly as we shared experiences, talked unendingly, ate together, laughed often and shared thoughts of old times. But all too soon, it was time to part. Not a pleasant reality. Off to the airport with the first family members to leave. Hugs, kisses, prayer and promises to stay in touch, filled the good-bye moments. Soon those awaited texts,” home safely”! Have you recently had to say goodbye to a friend or perhaps a family member whom you had not seen for a long time? That experience ignites new emotions, bonding and hopes that somehow the leaving will be less painful than before. It may last for a while, but ultimately those “ I miss you feelings” creep into your heart. Certainly messaging, calls, and face time add some insulation, but only a substitute for real time, and that real person! If that saying goodbye was because of death, a sharp finality grips the heart! Death is never easy; we were not made to die! But God stands by to comfort, insulate, and hold you close to His heart. He also gives you the promise that your loved one is sleeping now waiting for that trumpet to sound when Christ returns in the clouds to take them to heaven! Thess. 4:13-18 That means no more death! Rev. 21:4,5. The next day I flew out, with another set of goodbyes. My precious daughter had arranged tickets, so I had plenty of time for check- in, finding the gate, and supper. After finishing supper, I was sitting reading, when suddenly I saw a passenger fall as she was hurrying to her plane. I ran over to assist and found she was okay! Returning to where I had been sitting, I found someone had taken that seat, so I moved to another area. As I sat, I heard someone humming, and hesitantly inquired of the lady sitting two seats away. She responded, “yes I love to sing!” Quickly, we began to talk and found that we both had ministries, families, loved the lord and ultimately prayed together! Gate C 36, what a special place to be! But little did I know that this gate would open to a life-changing journey that I would never forget. Join me next time, on board! Grace Abounds Ministries continues its forward movement as the website is being given a new face and more recordings are in progress. Please pray for the health emphasis and remember that donations of any size are needed to serve you and many others around the world! Regular monthly giving is especially helpful budget-wise. You may click below and easily give to this, God’s ministry. We are praying for you and until next time, please remember that “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound, But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound! Rom. 5:20