Impermanence

It has become more and more apparent in recent days that we live in a society of impermanence. In college one expects that friends are around for only a short time and that everyone will disperse to their respective locations. That doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye, but it is nonetheless expected. After college, and after marriage, and buying a house and starting a family, there is a semblance of permanence, but this is just an illusion. We’re not a society of roots anymore, but of change. And that’s not always bad! I’m an advocate of change! Change causes us to grow and develop and learn new things. But it still comes as a surprise to realize that the friends one thought would just always be around are heading off to new experiences and new locations.

Two of my close Mommy friends are moving. One is leaving just this week and another heads out in June; thus the reality of impermanence. I’m sad to see them go and wonder who the Lord will bring into my life to fill the gap…not to replace since they’re irreplaceable…but to fill in for their absence. At the same time, I don’t begrudge them the opportunities! A part of me wishes it was us going on to new adventures. But the Lord has us here and has them going on and He’ll take care of both of us. Saying goodbyes, though, does make me think of another world in which goodbyes will cease and everyone I love will all be together with HIM. I’m glad again that this life isn’t all we get, though I am thankful for it.