The Last Time
“There are unheralded tipping points, a certain number of times that we will unlock the front door of an apartment. At some point you were closer to the last time than you were to the first time, and you didn’t even know it. You didn’t know that each time you passed the threshold you were saying good-bye.”
Colson Whitehead, The Colossus of New York
Less than three months ago, Rick and I didn’t know we were going to move. And now we have moved and have been quite settled for several weeks, with, of course, some tying up of loose ends taking place. This is all a wonder to us.
There are places we’ve been, things we’ve seen, people we’ve spoken to/had relationships with, activities we engaged in, that we didn’t know was for the last time. Things happened before our decision was made. We had no idea that we were nearer to the end of our time in our last home than we were to the beginning. There was no chance to say good-bye in many instances.
Once the decision was made and the wheels were in motion, we did know, of course. And what a bittersweet time that interim period was: the last time we’d worship in our little church; see Mt Rainier as residents of the area; cross a certain bridge and look up at our close friends’ home; walk into our small town’s grocery store, Post Office, hardware store, favorite restaurant, city park; have my hair cut by my long-time stylist, become good friend; hike a particular trail; have lunch with two of my longest-time and closest friends; leave the garage, shut the door, drive out of the driveway; and . . . so . . . much . . . more.
We love where we’re at now. Of course we moved because we wanted to. It was a freely-made choice. Oh, but who and what we left behind!
There’s little of permanence in this life, as you’ll have no doubt noticed. But I don’t believe that’s how it was meant to be. And it’s certainly not how it will be, praise the Lord!
Before Jesus left for heaven after His death and subsequent resurrection, He made a promise to His beloved disciples and all believers who would follow. That includes you and me, friends! In John 14:1-3, He said this: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (NLT).
Always! Can you imagine?! We’ll never leave loved ones again. We’ll always be closer to the beginning of our eternal lives than we are to the end. Time, in fact, will never run out. There will be no more last times. There will be more and ever more places to go, things to see, people to interact with, experiences to repeat any time we want to. There will be Jesus nearby. And people and things we love.
I so look forward to that day. As pleased as I am in my new circumstances, much was given up to achieve that happiness. Our future holds none of the giving up of something. All will be ours forever.
Good-bye, last times. Good-bye!
14 Comments
Christy Bond
Beautiful and so true. Love your writing!
ckarlstrom
Thanks so much, Christy! Very nice to hear from you. Hope all is well . . .
Carleen jones
How true, how true! You are very missed!
Carolyn Karlstrom
Thank you so much, friend Carleen. You’d better believe we miss you too! Sure appreciate your note. Take care . . . ♥️
Melissa Forster
Well said
ckarlstrom
Thank you, Melissa!!
Beth
Beautiful vision of what you left behind and the glory of what is ahead, no matter where you live. Wishing you and Rick everything good always! We’ll be living in the same place one of these days cousin . . . for eternity!
Carolyn Karlstrom
We will, and won’t that be wonderful!? I can hardly wait!! Thanks so much for your sweet note .. .
Ginny Allen
Magnificent! Good to be back home, I am sure! Missed you when we drove to Rainier the other day. Looking forward to a time of no goodbyes forever.
Love you!
Carolyn Karlstrom
Love you too, Ginny. I’m so sorry I didn’t see you this week but will see you on the 19th of next month. Thanks for your sweet note.
Susie
And I’m glad you are here!! Sometimes back where you started is right where you belong!
Carolyn Karlstrom
Ha! Where have I heard that before?? I’m happy to be here too.
Sherri
Even though we’ve never met face-to-face, I feel like I know you! Your beautiful writing has helped me get to know the “real Carolyn”…..and the interesting thing is that I , too, have been thinking about a lot of last times. Often, we know that what is happening is going to be the last time. Leaving one house for another, closing the door to your classroom on the brink of retirement, saying goodbye to a pet in the vet’s office are all examples. In other instances, we never know that this is going to be “the last time.” Often those, in retrospect, are the most difficult. Maybe it’s a good thing we didn’t, or maybe we could’ve made that particular goodbye just a little more special. Thanks for helping me think about a few last times….
Carolyn Karlstrom
You’ve touched my heart. Yes, I believed we’d enjoy one another’s company very much if we were in physical proximity. As it is, without ever having met you, I count you as a special friend. Thank you so much for your kindnesses to me, and for reading these things and taking the time to comment and point out our similarities. Never mind seeing you for the “last time” – I’d just love to meet you for the first time!!