Seek after Him
By CHERYL CRUCE
Our home on Cedar Island, in Taylor County, was a never-ending vacation spot for my older siblings and me. The red beach house nestled on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico was a little tropical paradise. As the youngest of seven children, I would often be left behind when the older ones walked to the surf hut after the evening meal. The hut housed pinball machines, pool tables, and an old jukebox with outdated music. On quiet nights you could hear the melodies drifting on the waves.
As my siblings often walked away for their evening of fun, Dad and I would sit on the front porch to watch the sunset. He often handed me a brown paper bag with a Butternut candy bar tucked inside. I miss those naive days of sitting in his lap and watching the big yellow-orange fireball slip from the sky into those waters that mirrored the colors of the sky.
With childhood innocence behind me and the life lessons of 63 years ingrained in my spirit, I still seek those moments of quiet reflection. My parents are no longer present in this world; however, the teachings of faith and the seasons of the church calendar still hold great importance in my life. Today we are in the season of Lent.
Lent represents the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness after His baptism (Matthew 4:1-11).
Jesus fasted and prayed during His wilderness experience because He understood the ministry before Him. He understood the scorn, rejection, and anger that would soon impel His spirit. He knew His friends would love Him, and one friend would betray Him. During this period of fasting and temptation, I believe Jesus felt the weight of Calvary because Satan tempted Him with the Kingdoms of the World. However, Jesus’ purpose was for the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 4:6-9). And Jesus overcame the temptations of the world for us.
Often during Lent, people fast chocolate, sugar, or some other craving for the 40 days. Some are successful; some are not. Nevertheless, Lent is not about the fast but about reflecting on your purpose and drawing near your Heavenly Father. Therefore, enjoy your chocolate, cornbread, and sweet tea. Refrain from concentrating so much on the fast and build upon your relationship with the One who has redeemed you.
Allow this season leading up to Easter to be a season of drawing near to Him. Find your place of quiet reflection and praise Him for the sunsets in your life; thank Him for each sunrise. Look for 30 minutes in your day to sit quietly in His presence. Join a place of worship. Sing the old hymns from your childhood. Pray daily for yourself and your neighbor. Fast those ill thoughts you hold toward your brother, toward your enemy. Speaking highly of both will bring healing to your heart, changing your thoughts. Pray for the ministry He is adding to your life.
Looking back, I realize Dad gave me more than a brown paper bag with a candy bar. There was the gift of his time and ensuring I did not feel alone and left out. It is the same with the Heavenly Father. He desires a quiet place with you when all distractions are removed, and it is just you and Him alone on an old front porch. I believe we will find that is the true meaning of the Lenten season. Seek after Him.
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.
Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.