The rearview mirror

It was the summer of my 16th year when my Mother discovered a 1967 Volkswagen abandoned under an old oak tree. Before I knew it, Mom was speaking with the owner of the VW. They agreed on a selling price of $200. He would repair the brakes and drive it to our home on Saturday.
Once it was parked in our garage, Mom and I worked feverishly to clean the interior and remove the oak stains from the outside. When it was ready, my brother purchased several cans of Sunshine Yellow spray paint. Taping off intricate areas, he magically transformed that once abandoned Volkswagen into my first car.
It had no air conditioner but sported an AM radio and a dimmer switch in the floorboard. It was as basic as possible, especially compared to the cars of today. Nevertheless, my Volkswagen represented a new freedom in life.
With my newfound freedom, I began to test the boundaries and responsibilities of growing up. My car allowed me to ride around on Saturdays and go home for lunch breaks during the school week. Once, while returning to school, a flat tire left me stranded. As I contemplated my long walk, I saw my Dad pulling up in my rearview mirror. How did he know?
I learned a valuable lesson that year, and it is this. Irrespective of the length of my tested boundaries, my parents always had their eyes on me. It was a time before cell phones, GPS, and 360 tracking. Even so, regardless of where I was, Mom and Dad always knew what I was doing, if I was safe, or needed their help. The adage, “They have eyes in the back of their head,” held a substantial truth in our home: I miss their watchful eyes.
Still, with the ripe old age of wisdom, I realize I continue to have watchful eyes caring for me. I have enjoyed the freedom of stretching my wings. I have tested the boundaries of this world, finding myself in the hurt and disappointment of my decisions. Yet when I discovered myself broken down on the side of life’s road, I also discovered my Heavenly Father patiently waiting in my rearview mirror to rescue me.
Our lives are no different than the life of the Prodigal Son. He had everything he would ever need, just as you and I. A loving family, good food, and a warm bed to rest in at night. Yet his spirit was restless. He wanted to test his boundaries and reach beyond the security of his home. He took his inheritance and walked into a world of anguish. When he found himself keeping company with swine, he made the decision to return to his father’s embrace (Luke 15:11-31).
I believe if Heaven had a front porch, our Heavenly Father would be standing there watching over us even as we stretch the limits of our free will. We cannot hide from His love. He has witnessed the pain and scars of our tested boundaries because His eyes have remained on us. He longs for our decision to return Him. There He is, waiting on Heaven’s front porch, desiring nothing more than to welcome us home.
Jeremiah 24:7 NIV I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.