Our Comings and Goings

"Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 303 - Today, I am grateful for "comings and goings."

A friend once gave this verse to me as a gift. His father had given it to him. I think about it often. 

"The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever." -Psalm 121:8

I hold tightly to relationships (and sometimes things...I have the full closets to prove it!) by nature. I am a keeper and a saver. I like to keep friends and relationships for a lifetime. 

One of the few good things about social media is that we are more aware of what is happening in the lives of the people we care about who are not physically present in our daily lives. We can be more intentional in our relationships when we are connected. We can reach out across many miles and even oceans apart. We are more aware of our loved ones' comings and their goings. 

Humans like to make plans. Planning is important in many things. A good example is farming. You cannot harvest what you do not plant. Without a harvest, we do not eat. Planning is not wrong, but as every farmer and gardener knows... the rains come and they go. The Lord preserves us in the "comings and the goings" of the rains, the winds, and the droughts. Although, I think he does expect us to plant the seeds, water the garden, and do our part. 

Today marks three years since we were shocked by my brother-in-love's passing. His "going" was unexpected. He loved Lola well and their years together were precious. My favorite memories of Ken are the conversations when it was just the two of us. He was a thinker and a smart guy. He would never seek attention. You had to wait for him to be ready to talk. When he did speak, it was always worth listening to. He is greatly missed. 

Despite our best efforts to make plans, life happens. "Plot twists" as I often refer to them. They can blindside us, but I find comfort in the "Solid Rock." Our faith in Christ sustains those who seek His face. I find comfort in knowing our God is not surprised by our comings and goings. He directs our paths. 

Today, I am grateful for "comings and goings."