February 5

Then Israel told him, “Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. And when Joseph arrived in Shechem, — Gen 37:14 BSB

Joseph left home in high spirits. We can imagine the goodbyes as he set out, with his family seeing him off, expecting him to return soon. None of them imagined it would be twenty years before they would see his face again! If they had known that, their parting that morning would have been much more tender.

We never know when we say goodbye to our loved ones, whether they or we will return again. Even for the briefest separation, we should part with care and love, as we may never clasp hands with them again.