The Weight of Departure

I have begun to realize the weight of my approaching departure.  Not the weight on others, but the weight on me.  Although I am thrilled and excited for what is to come, I will deeply miss what I am leaving, even if it is only for a few years.

I cannot assume that once I come back my existing relationships will be the same.  People develop, change, and enter new stages in their life.  It is certain that I will also not be the same man that left.

My parents will age, friends will get married, and new beginnings will arise for many of those whom I am close to.  It deeply saddens me that I will miss many moments and developments in the lives of those who I care significantly about.  I visualize it perfectly through the children I teach in Sunday School.  The five-year olds will be ten years old, and the twelve year olds will be on the brink of graduating high school.  

Hopeful, I wish for things to pick up exactly as I had left things...but that will not be the case.  

I am and will always be grateful for the blessings God has provided through the amazing people in my life.  But gratefulness doesn't make it any easier to leave.