Take heart

Many sentiments ran through the three-bedroom, one-bath house of my youth. Fights over who wore the favored pair of cut-off shorts last, the struggle of school mornings, and the revolving bathroom door were common occurrences. I am sure words were spoken with high emotions of every type in the crowded walls of what we called home. Regardless, with the love of our parents, each day offered an opportunity to learn to trust in the security of their love.
Our mornings began with a huge pot of cheese grits and homemade biscuits. Our days ended with a warm kiss goodnight, and a gentle tuck in bed. When we moved from childhood to youth or teen years, the “tuck” was replaced, but the kiss remained. I know this sounds a little Hallmark-ish, yet it speaks volumes of how life was when the simplicity of childhood hid the struggles of the real world.
It’s a curious thing about adulthood – it often takes a backward glance to truly appreciate the simplicity and beauty of childhood. Back then, I never worried about the economy, the biting cold, or the stretch of a paycheck. Those were the concerns of my parents.
My world revolved around the anticipation of holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, and the excitement of a new dress for church. Looking back, I find myself yearning for the innocence and simplicity of those days.
Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “It is impossible to step into the same river twice.” The second step into the river has a different current, and the river’s bed shifts with the flow. Natural occurrences like flooding or fallen debris aid in changing the river. The sand that was once beneath your feet has been swept downstream, and the new is present.
Thomas Wolfe’s novel “You Can’t Go Home Again” shares this sentiment, and as much as I once longed to outgrow my roots, I now desire to revisit them.
It is not revisiting home that I long for as much as it is letting go of the struggles of this world. The burdens of this world can be overwhelming at times, although they do not have to overtake us. Scripture teaches us to forget what is behind us and look forward to the vision God has set before us (Philippians 3:12-14). A backward glance often provides a false narrative, skewing the vision of God’s promises for His children.
God never promised an easy life, but He did promise to help us navigate the ups and downs. Imagine the joy we could experience if we chose to trust like we did when we were young, giving our worries to our Heavenly Father. We would discover true rest for our weary souls (Matthew 11:28-30). This world has a constantly changing rhythm. Yet, the love of the Father remains constant. We cannot add a single hour to our lives, change our past, or predict the future.
However, our Heavenly Father has promised to be faithful to us and meet our needs according to His riches in glory (Luke 12:25-31).
So, let today be filled with peace and strength, knowing that we can trust in the love and care of our Heavenly Father. Let us embrace each day with faith, knowing that we can trust in His promises and find true rest for our weary souls. And let us embrace each other when the tides of this world change.

John 16:33: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

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