On our first Valentine’s Day as a married couple Becky gave me a book by Sheldon Vanauken titled “A Severe Mercy.”  It’s the story of a Sheldon and his wife Davy, a young couple in love and their journey to faith and hope and finally to the untimely death of Davy. At the middle of the story is a friendship with C.S. Lewis during their years as students at Oxford.  I opened the book again this week and intend to read it again.

The passage for which I was looking tells of Sheldon’s last visit with Lewis.  The two met at Eastgate pub in Oxford and spent a long lunch together.  Vanauken tells of the end of the afternoon:

Lewis said he hoped Davy and I would be coming back to England soon, for we mustn’t get out of touch. “At all events,” he said with a cheerful grin,” we’ll certainly meet again, here – or there.” Then it was time to go, and we drained our mugs.  When we emerged on to the busy High with traffic streaming by, we shook hands, and he said: “I shan’t say goodbye. We’ll meet again.” Then he plunged into the traffic. I stood there watching him. When he reached the pavement on the other side, he turned around as though he knew somehow that I would still be standing there in front of the Eastgate. Then he raised his voice in a great roar that easily overcame the noise of the cars and the buses. Heads turned and at least one car swerved. “Besides,” he bellowed with a great grin, “Christians NEVER say goodbye!”

The Vanaukens returned to the United States and, in too short a time, Davy died of a rare infection.

Christians never say goodbye.  I remember the first time I read Lewis’ line, and I have repeated it often since I read the book Becky gave me on our first Valentine’s Day.

Lewis’ point is well taken. Of course, we will meet again, here – or there. But over the years of our moves to new churches, moves by good friends, and, yes, death, I think it might also be wise to say that sometimes Christians should say goodbye.

Sunday will be the last Sunday two good friends worship at LPC as part of the here in Langhorne LPC family.  Doug and Beth Jenkins are moving – well, as of this week, have moved – to Ohio to be closer to parents, other family members, and friends from long ago.  We are going to miss them.  My strong assumption is that we will see them again – here.

But Sunday after worship, I intend to say goodbye. It won’t be easy.  Doug and Beth have been the kind of friends you don’t forget and plan to see again. I think we will.  But we will say goodbye to nearly twelve years of a friendship of the daily, week in and week out sort.  Lunches at Brothers Pizza and some listening ears when we needed them most.

Doug and Beth, Becky and I will see you again, here – or there. In the meantime, we will say goodbye.

Sometimes Christians should say goodbye.

See you Sunday. Lord willing.