FestiveNow

When we move to a new location (near or far away), we experience a season of transience. To borrow from horticultural illustrations: it takes us time to grow into new environments, become adjusted, and settle. As we settle, the older, most resilient roots and branches need extra tending, pruning, or care; whilst we wish for the newest shoots or sprigs to develop in an expedited manner so that we can get out of uprooted shock and into a new season of growth that leads to a harvest of sweet, good fruits. One of the fruits that takes the most time is the fruit of friendship. Uprooted people need connection through friendship just as much as those who have the advantage of staying somewhere many seasons, years--perhaps a lifetime! Connection and social support scaffold resilience and are vital for our holistic humanity and healthy growth! Growth cannot be rushed. In fact, friendships take time. Though there are exceptions, we generally feel closest to those we spend the most time with. How

I love the Bible! Today, Thru the Bible started 2 Timothy and Dr McGee called it Paul's 'swan song.' He mentioned another author's swan song as well--if you like, please read 2 Timothy or check out the free resources and/or listen for yourself at TTB.org (or with the app--my fave!).  The mention of swan songs reminds me that events, things, attention, etc are all finite. Earth is finite. I am finite. Or as an introduction to 2 Timothy states: "The average human lifespan is longer now than it used to be. But the death rate is still 100 percent" (CSB, Life Counsel Bible).  However, the Creator of the skies, the earth and everything in it, and humanity is infinite ! And, we can be connected with Him by grace through faith in Jesus!  As Paul wrote: "He has saved us and called us with a holy calling not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jeus before time began . This has now been made evident thr