Our youngest grandchild is starting pre-school. Our oldest grandchild has left home to begin university studies. Life is full of changes.
There are times when we have to cope with change and the accompanying turmoil. Transitions throw us off balance; our comfortable and familiar routines give way to the unknown. We are often blessed with helpful people who graciously welcome and guide us along the way.
Years ago, I toured a newly constructed monastery. The monks had invited local people to an open house of their new home. A rare occasion, as this religious order, founded in the 11th century, lived apart from the world and did not ordinarily receive visitors. Their community life was designed so that nothing distracted from the solitary silence focused on God’s abiding presence. The older monk who guided us along spoke with serene enthusiasm as he described the architecture and simple beauty of the new facility. Everything about the place supported the prayerful silence that defined their way of life. Views from the property of the surrounding landscape were stunning. The short time I spent in that space changed me, even if in a small way.
Though separate from the world, the monks pray for the world day and night at appointed times. They keep watch. Their prayer welcomes God’s goodness into the world. It may seem that their life is unchanging, but I think it is always changing, transitioning to a deeper relationship with the Lord. Time doesn’t stand still; it is charged with eternity. I think this is also true for us.
In prayer, we let the Lord be our tour guide. In all of our transitions, the Lord points us to what is essential, loving, and faithful. Each prayer time is a new construction with architecture and beauty designed to draw us closer to the One who loves us beyond understanding.
“A thousand years in your eyes
are merely a day gone by,
Before a watch passes in the night,”
(Psalm 90:4)
In our family prayer, we are the gracious, welcoming guides for our children. We open to God’s Spirit to let Him change us. Prayer carries us through time and change. The Lord is with us all along.
How have your family transitions been times when prayer deepened your relationship with the Lord?
How has the Lord blessed you with people who welcomed and guided you during life’s transitions?