Do you ever wonder how many times you say “goodbye” in your life? There are so many different ways to do that. We have long goodbyes when we don’t really want to leave that person, but have to. We have the goodbyes where we leave upset and maybe slam the door. There are the goodbyes at parties that take way too long. On Friday afternoon we might exit the office with a quick wave and shout, “See you Monday.” And of course, the awkward first date goodbye, with maybe a kiss to go with it.
One of the ways I can measure a resident’s stay with us is how they say “goodbye” to us. Most of our residents come to us in the same manner. They are desperate, drained of hope, homeless, crying for help. That’s understandable because that’s why we are here. That is what our ministry is about, to help those in need. We provide hope, shelter, food, and care. The difference between the residents is how our ministry is accepted by them. How they welcome that hope, food, shelter and care. You would think it would be an obvious answer, but it is not. What we provide is not always accepted. And that’s OK. It will always be there for the giving and taking.
That’s where the goodbye comes in. We have all different types. There is the exit that takes place in the middle of the night, when a resident just leaves. No words, no goodbye, never to be seen again. That departure happens often. It can happen after the resident stays one night, one week or even one month. It’s the type of goodbye that leaves us scratching our heads and wondering if we could have done more or if we gave them all they needed and they just chose to leave.
Another type of exit is when they never come back, but leave all their belongings in their room. After a couple days, we pack up their stuff and open the space for a new needing soul. Sometimes the person will come back for their belongings, but most times not. Again, not even a goodbye or thank you.
Unfortunately we have the exit that is driven by us. When the structure of the house and the lifestyle of the resident collide, we initiate the goodbye. These can be gut wrenching moments, but necessary. We need one structure for many reasons, not 50 different lifestyles. That’s like a roundabout with two-way traffic. Total chaos.
There are other methods our residents use to say goodbye, but the one that touches us straight to the heart, is when they announce they have secured their own housing and will be moving out. These exits come with hugs, thank yous, and even some joyful tears from all of us. Their desperation has vanished, their hope and joy is apparent, and their gratitude sincere.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.”
Thessalonians 5:16-18
Whatever manner someone says goodbye to us is OK. We really don’t judge by their exit. We were glad to be there for them. We know that when they leave the Place 2B, the food they consumed is gone, the hot water we provided is literally down the drain, their warm room and sheets will be cleaned and laundered. Almost everything we gave them will be used and gone forever. Everything, but the Mustard Seeds. Those will remain with them forever. The messages of Christ that came to them through our ministry will live in them forever. Someday, in some future situation, that mustard seed will blossom in them and their heart will fill with gratitude to our Lord. That mustard seed is infinite. It is the most important gift we can give anyone. It will grow until nothing is impossible for them.
“For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20-21
Our Life Enrichment Program consists of four areas. We help our residents grow in physical health, mental health, financially and spiritually.
Stop into our Community Cafe for a hot drink and some mustard seeds.
Pax Christi,
Jim