"He's doing a new thing, so we're singing a new song."

To look up into that grace. Not in offense, but in honest, a question that escapes.

"Why?"

To leave all I know and love, to know that my time with my beloved queen may be up. Melodies wafting down roads like a sweet smell. Street lamps illuminating the desires of my heart: a city with personality, spunk, and much to offer. Open hearts for seeds to be planted, hearts growing a harvest, hearts bearing much fruit.

I've seen days with open blue skies, and days with pouring rain. The drops just washing away the impurities of the earth so that when the sun shines again, it can smile on a freshly clean world, sparkling in response to the rays of gold. The rain here smells different than elsewhere. Clean and fresh, sweet to the senses.

I've seen shooting stars on bright and cold winter nights, fresh hot apple cider on bracing fall evenings. In the summertime my city shares a thousand new sounds, as though creation is a life or death matter. During the spring a feeling of rebirth is in the air, like the buds appearing on the trees represent all of our ambitions for the days ahead, reawakened and alive yet again. These memories are more valuable to me than all the gems in the world.

This queen is royal not only in looks, but in the ways she holds herself. I know many here burning for Christ, hearts full of passion that will never be extinguished. They carry themselves as truly regal. It's a sight to remember, one forever burned into my mind as something precious.

Most importantly, though, this city is where I received true life in more than simple theory. Here I met my creator, who then became my savior. I realized a Father's love in a way I could have never dreamed, a beautiful relationship began that has been nurtured and cared for by my surroundings. Such a rich environment to allow me to flourish, even in the midst of much adversity. This city is a jewel that I pray will never be lost.

All of this but a fraction of my heart for my beautiful, beautiful queen. And after reviewing everything, the ups and downs, the highs and lows, I know that I would never trade a second of it.

And it comes back to that questions, while looking up into that grace. The infinite grace I can never hope to comprehend.

"Why?"

Eyes of fire look back at me. Grace, grace, grace. All I can see is his grace. He smiles. I start to cry. And then he speaks, a whisper that is louder than thunder:

"You have done well, my daughter, you have done well."

I collapse in his arms.