Saying Goodbye to a Dear Friend

by Adam Litmer

It won’t be long now. The binding in my Bible is coming undone, and pages are starting to tear and fall out. Tape and glue are no longer getting the job done. I’m going to have to purchase a new Bible. Honestly, it nearly brings a tear to my eye.

I suppose many would find that strange. We love to buy new things. The thought of new computers, phones, jewelry, furniture, clothes, and cars usually brings a smile of anticipation.
But my Bible is not just some "thing" to be replaced by a shiny new model. So much of myself is found in my Bible. I’ve experienced spiritual breakthroughs in my Bible. I know exactly where everything is on the page because of countless hours spent in my Bible. All the smudges, creases, folds, and tears are like old friends. This is the Bible I preach, teach, study, and read from. Not a day has gone by in all the years that I’ve had it where we did not spend some time together.

When I finally purchase a new Bible, it will be identical to my Bible now. Soon, my worn Bible will be retired to my “Bible Shelf.” Some notes will be transferred to the new Bible, and others will not. Eventually, the next Bible will become "my" Bible. But for now, I feel like I’m saying goodbye to a very dear friend.