Creator of all, you created time and the cycles of life. In you we have our all-in-all. Nothing we achieve in this life goes with us to the heavenly city except what we accomplish for your kingdom. Even our families cycle in and out of our days. The seasons we see repeat year upon year change with each reiteration. Yet, the more things change, the more they stay the same, and transition from one phase to another is our constant. The joy that comes from visiting family and friends fades temporarily with the saying of good-byes, but resurfaces in the fondest of memories as we move forward with what you have planned for us, Father. You know the paths ahead. Sometimes they join with those of our loved ones for a time, and I am grateful for those times. Rebuild my heart, Lord, as I seek to know you more. Bolster my faith as I follow your leading. You are with those I leave behind, and you are with those I go to serve. My joy comes from your presence in me, constant, comforting, loving and encouraging. I thank you for the appointed times in life in the name and authority of Jesus, according to your good and perfect will. Amen.
“…a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;”
(Ecclesiastes 3: 4-6 ESV)