What is more surprising, Simeon’s patience to wait for a promise to be fulfilled or his grace to be dismissed with peace as his ministry comes to completion? Unfortunately, I am sure Simeon could attest, life rarely has moments where a promise or ministry reaches completion as clearly as Jesus’ coming. Usually life’s events are more confusedly promised, or received, half beautiful blessing and half hard decisions to make.
In all the surveys of stress levels one can take, positive and negative life changes both are high on the list. Getting a new job, even a dream job, means leaving another, and leaving it seemingly unfinished. All gains include losses and all losses will bring silver linings of grace. As followers of Christ, we have the gift of knowing that even when the future is unclear or a decision difficult, God’s purposes for healing, wholeness and eternal life are integral to each of our steps.
May we seek you in all our wanderings, weaver God. When paths are unclear or promises seem incomplete, help us have faith that you are weaving all into your purposes so we may see your salvation which you have prepared. Amen. — LCS