God Goes Before 

by Susan Hanson Budensiek   
 God goes before us. The scriptures tell us so. Probably the most well-known passage to plainly spell it out is Exodus 13:21. “Adonai went ahead of them in a column of cloud during the daytime to lead them on their way, and at night in a column of fire to give them light; thus they could travel both by day and by night.” (CJB) 

Loneliness stands at the door

 As our children grew and got involved in their own things, the time we had with friends got squeezed out by the driving.  Then squashed by Covid.  Then squeezed again as activities picked back up.  We used to be able to schedule a playdate with friends and even if the kids had never met, they would mix and have fun. As they grew, that got harder, so now we work on seeing each other when we are without kids.