This Too Shall Pass

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
—Luke 2:39

Everything in life is "for a time." When the time is over we move on, we do something new, we find a new way, we return to an older way, we start a new chapter.

When we are in a bad situation in life, when our hearts are broken or we are not where we want to be, it seems as though the time will never end. All we want is to find the door through which we came in so that we can go out again.

There are also times when we are full and happy. There are places in our lives we want to experience, that invite exploration—encouraging us to look around to see what else might be there. We aren't looking for the door out, because we are enjoying where we are.

All times, however, will end. We will go out the doors that we came in, and then we will enter new doors. This is the adventure of life, and in every coming in and going out, God is there with us. There is no need to be afraid. There is no need to push out of the bad or hide in the good.

All we’re called to do is be present and do all that we can do where we are. And know that we do not do it alone. When the final time is over, we like Mary and Joseph, will return to the place that we call home.

Gracious God, help me stay awake and present to all the times in my life that you give me.

Copyright © 2009 Cleophes Carter Jr.