Excellent and very timely. This year I transitioned back to full time teaching after 20 years of working part-time while caring for my children. Just prior to returning to full time work, I suffered an Achilles rupture that required surgical repair and an unwelcome slow recovery. It delayed my return to work and was a significant expense. Looking back on that now, after completing my first semester back in the classroom, I realize God used that convalescence as a neutral space—to use your words. During that time, my family had to assume many of my household duties, they had to demonstrate care for me, they had to transition to managing their own care while I watched from the recliner. In hindsight, I recognize that time as an enormous gift from the Lord ushering me into the next phase of my life with the confidence that we’d be okay, which was a huge concern of mine. I’d seen that they could do without me at the helm, and I’d experienced God’s care for me through them. He knew that transition is hard for me—maybe for everyone—and he used my injury as a way to “make me lie down in green pastures” before entering the next busy season. Thanks for your writing and the invitation to reflect. It is such a blessing.