The day you bury your mother next to me, do not even stay overnight within the confines of the city. For I see that people here shamelessly commit all sorts of wickedness and treachery. (Tobit 14:10)

Timing is as mysterious as it can be crucial.

Do not leave the city before your mother dies. That would hasten her death and cause her unnecessary grief. But depart the city immediately after her burial.

Three hours on the cross. Three hours of darkness. Three days in the grave.

Nine months in the womb. Three score and ten of life. A bit less or more can make such a difference. Press too quickly or wait too long and everything changes.

We wait, we watch, we seek to discern God's time and our time.