Time is a circle. We are reminded of this by the shape of a clock and the spin of the earth and its passage around the sun. The seasons happen in cycles. Seeds grow trees. Trees grow seeds. The wind blows, the seeds fall, and a tree grows again. Life is a cycle. Cycles are circles.
Therefore, when we meet old friends we have not connected with in a while, do not feel bad about the time that has passed. Save your apologies and explanations. Instead, be grateful that you have lived long enough for the season of your relationship to renew. To come back around. To come full circle.
For time has not really passed, it has returned.