Acts 18:21 … Returning to Re-turn (06/19/17)
“I will return to you, if God wills.” ~ Paul (Acts 18:21)
Whereas Paul made this and similar statements to emotionally manipulate his listeners (see Acts 20:20-21, Romans 11:13-14 + Romans 15:17, 1 Corinthians 15:10 + 1 Corinthians 9:15, 2 Corinthians 2:9, 2 Corinthians 2:1-4, 2 Corinthians 6:6-10, 2 Corinthians 7:2-10, 2 Corinthians 8:2-8, 2 Corinthians 8:24, 2 Corinthians 9:5, 2 Corinthians 11:7, 2 Corinthians 12:19-21, Galatians 1:24 & 1 Thessalonians 2:2+10 et al), Jesus made such statements in full sincerity – saying “Thy will, not mine, Lord” not to cajole God into showering him with enhanced ease or subsequent reward, but as a simple statement of fact – a simple reminder to self & others that he had already chosen; that he had chosen to live for others; that he had chosen the Way of Joy-full sacrifice; that he had chosen The Way of Love (see Matthew 20:22, Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:36 & Luke 22:42 – also Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 19:11, Matthew 16:24, Mathew 24:12-14, Matthew 25:35-40).
Similarly, neither are we to melodramatically tell others that we might one day return (implying, of course, that we very well might not), but rather are to offer our farewells filled with Gratitude for having been able to share time & space with the other at all – while leaving the door completely & consciously open for a Joy-full reunion in the future, should such a meeting in any way serve the Life’s Greater Good.
This is the Farewell I offer you all at this time — a farewell overflowing with Gratitude for the times we have spent together (both online &/or in person), as well as a Farewell overflowing with Humility; not knowing whether we will ever see each other again, and yet being completely open to Joy-fully doing so should I ever be so blessed.
Amen … Live well in LOVE, and know that it is so.
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