His unchanging presence

I can vividly recall the scene on the last day of school. Our mother would arrive at our designated place in her old English Ford. The car’s back seat was crammed with summer clothes, brown paper bags filled with groceries, and other essential items. Amidst the chaos, there were also two chirping parakeets, a cat, two dogs, and whatever other family pets we had then.
It was exhilarating as we climbed in the car, making our bid for a place to sit. Our summer days would be filled with the freedom to walk the shores, swim the canals, or play the jukebox at the surf hut. We would also set crab traps, search for scallops, and fish the flats for our evening meals. Then, as quickly as it began, the summer ended, and the fall routines started again.
We were all set to head back to life’s routine. The car was packed to the brim, the pets were loaded up, and we settled into our seats for the journey back to our inland home. As we swapped out our summer clothes for school and winter wear, we felt the excitement of starting a new season. So are the routines of life. Each season brings its own set of experiences and rhythms.
Just as the natural world changes, so do the seasons of our lives. We were once children, cared for by our parents. Life was carefree on the shores of Cedar Island. Then, we became the ones who cared for our parents while raising children of our own. And now, the children we once cared for call with a “Hello, Mom, I love you. Are you doing OK?”
The Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that nothing is new under the sun. Everything we experience in life is for a season (Ecclesiastes 3). The Apostle Paul prompts us in his letter to the Ephesians about the need to be careful, making the most of every opportunity to live of wisdom (Ephesians 5:15-16); living as wise people requires us to embrace every moment of life, the good and the bad.
As people of faith, we are called to celebrate God’s good gifts, including the blessing of family. In James 1:17, we are reminded of a Heavenly Father giving us good and perfect gifts and that He is steadfast and unchanging. The blessings we receive, such as family, are treasured reflections of His love. Celebrating and cherishing these gifts with gratefulness and love is one of the most beautiful acts of praise given to our Lord.
When seasons change, and grief falls upon us, we can find comfort in knowing that the Lord is still with us. It is hard to have faith when your nights are spent in grief. Yet the psalmist reminds us that joy comes in the morning and hope will shine through the darkest moments (Psalm 30:5). Trusting in God’s perfect timing gives us the strength to navigate through the difficult seasons of life.
As we journey through life, our Heavenly Father remains constant. Just as we eagerly filled the car with anticipation for the adventures of summer, we can approach each new season with hope and faith, knowing that God is with us through every moment. We can trust in God’s perfect timing and find comfort in His unchanging presence. Our Father’s love endures forever. His faithfulness will continue to sustain us through every joy and sorrow.
2 Peter 3:8 Do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

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