Lockdown 114

Lockdown Day 114- 18 July 2020

After 113 days of sharing a living space, the matchbox, the youngest had to leave for university practicals that is starting next week. We spent the last couple of days preparing for his trip. Permits needed to be printed, his favourite cheesy puffs and other eats had to be prepped. 

After a dinner feast last night and a delicious brunch this morning followed by a short walk together, we said goodbye. No, that is the wrong word. Proper Afrikaans for goodbye is tot weersiens, meaning 'till we see each other again. I have always thought the word goodbye was just the result of some unimaginative effort to say see you in one word. But today I discovered where the word comes from. What a surprise!

The first documented use of the word was in 1573 when Gabriel Harvey wrote a letter in which his goodbye was written as "Godbwye" which stood for God be with ye! Can you believe this is an acronym or texting term, and this in the 16th century.  And to think we are supposed to be technologically evolved. I think the 2020 version should be Gbwy (God be with you). And this is precisely what we wish someone we say goodbye to. 

Even in Spanish the word adiós means to God. I wonder how the world went from building God's Name into all the languages to denying or mocking His very existence. What I don't wonder about is the blessing that comes from saying "bye bye" to someone. You actually say Gbwy twice. Gbwy Gbwy. This is amazing. To bless someone with the presence of God  is the best thing you can give someone, other than your time.    

There is an old English proverb that says, "a change is as good as rest". In some ways I wish I could also pack my things and go work or study someplace else. A change, albeit to go back to your own place after 113 days elsewhere, has a profound effect on one's mindset, body and spirit. Taking a break from your daily routine also has much the same effect. It energizes your brain and helps your mind stay focused, positive and locked onto your goal. 

So if you can't go elsewhere, and Lockdown has you chained to your matchbox desk, build into your day a Gbwy moment where you bless yourself with God's prescence while going out to jog, walk, get a coffee at your favourite barista around the corner, or find a place to breathe in a tree's oxygen. Visit God in His Word to remind yourself how special you are to Him and to those who love you.

So tonight I bless you all by saying good night:

Gbwy Gbwy.

Ggt - God's got this.