Saying "good bye" is one of the hardest things we have to do, so I don't do that anymore. "So Long" is better. "Good bye" has a finality to it, "so long" has an "I'll see you later" ring that I like much better.

Last night I said "so long"to a great bunch of students that I have had the privilege of being associated with for a very long time. They are moving on to further their education, whether it be in institutions of higher learning, or in pursuit of a career they have chosen. This I know, each of them had an air of confidence that was exhibited in bright smiles. By their own testimonies, that confidence was not in themselves, but in their LORD and Savior.

I would like to be able to say that I have influenced their lives in some way. But the truth is, they have influenced me. They have constantly challenged me with their hunger for God's Word and their desire to have a deeper knowledge of Him. Their courage and energy have kept me on my toes and caused me to rethink some of the ways that were deeply embedded in my 'four times older than they are' mind and body.

As I look farther down the road I see a group of young men and women who will do whatever it takes to impact their world for Jesus Christ. It's because of their faith that I can say "so long", for I know I will see them again. Either here, there, or in the air.