Goodbyes are hard because we weren't made for them - we were fashioned as eternal beings for a world without sorrowful farewells.
On this episode of Neither Here Nor There, host Ruthie Gomez talks with co-host Laura about the deeper spiritual and emotional dimensions of saying goodbye during life transitions. They explore C.S. Lewis's insight that our longing for permanence stems from being made for an eternal country, and how this understanding can transform the way we approach difficult farewells. Laura shares her personal journey from avoiding goodbyes entirely to learning to honor people and places through intentional remembrance.
They discuss the biblical concept of stones of remembrance from the story of Joshua and the Israelites, drawing parallels to how we can mark God's faithfulness through seasons of change. Laura reflects on her growth from driving away from summer camp without saying goodbye to creating meaningful farewell rituals like bookmarks for her children's friends. The conversation addresses how gratitude can transform the leaving stage, recognizing that if it's hard to leave, it means the place and relationships were worth investing in. "I have walked through the last few weeks literally like staring at the ceiling when I wake up thinking, I just really, really don't like this," Laura shares. "But you know, I do think I have gotten better at allowing the leaving stage to build gratitude in my heart."
The episode includes a faith-focused interview with Claire Drudrury, who shares her remarkable story of how God confirmed His calling for her family to move to Barcelona through 21 days of specific signs and encouragement. Ruthie and Laura emphasize how healthy remembrance and gratitude can help process the grief of changing seasons while maintaining hope in God's eternal promises and faithfulness through every transition.