It’s happening again. Change, that is. Our daughter is bustling around with excitement and anticipation as she prepares to graduate and start a new phase of her life. It’s all about buying stuff for the college room, making plans for classes, and scheduling orientation. Her dad and I stand by, playing our supportive role, waiting in the wings, knowing it’s her time to shine and watching with smiles on our faces and maybe an occasional tear mixed in.

Ah, change. It comes to us all. Like it or not. It assails us with increasing frequency as we move through time with changes that often don’t feel fun but instead much more akin to suffering. Bodies change, relationships shift, death visits nearby, and we are left to fill the role we are assigned.

Jesus tells us, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) We know that we will suffer and have pain. Life will change. And sometimes not for the better (at least that we can see at the time).But the wonderful thing about being in Christ and having his love with us is that he never leaves us. He walks in the valley beside us and carries us when we falter. And even more wonderful than that he tells us, “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11)

So, little girl, we embrace the change. The stage is ready. Step out and live your life. Your daddy and I will be standing by.