Absence

Yes, absence.  It is a painful word...it is an even more painful 'experience.'  Often, it is not preventable.  Too often, however, it is...

"I haven't seen you for so many years,
yet, as I do, that absence disappears!
We still have so very much to talk about;
as we commune, o let not time run out!
For in the absence has happened many things;
and seeing you again such blessings brings!
How are you?  How are the kids?  Let's talk of life.
Too many sources only talk of strife.
Let's skip all that and focus on the 'good.'
Let's make some more GREAT memories if we could!

Too long is 'absence' over things that may be not.
Most have moved on, and now we have a spot
to start afresh, to love and to embrace,
all thanks to the abundance of God's grace!
Too many get a second chance at such,
yet they ignore those 'things' arranged by God's own touch!
Let's make sure that doesn't happen while we're here
and enjoy the here and now as Jesus passes near!"

Absence.  A painful time.  It can often be avoided but, due to silly things like pride, hurt feelings and such, too many people cling to that absence and try to 'justify' it.  
May we be slow to anger, quick to forgive, and savor the time we have with one another while we still have each other.
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