Turning 49 this year I am saying goodbye to my 40s and hello to my 50s. It is a harsh realization in one moment but also a time to slowly say goodbye to another set of circumstances.
I have been spending more time with my parents due to my mom's back surgery. This has allowed me to spend the night and the following morning get up early and see my childhood town from a different point of view. Every time I run I go to a different section of town that brings back memories. The last time I was down I went to visit the playground I went to as a child, the house where my maternal grandparents lived and the place of work in the 70s for many of the residences that lived in the town of Morris
First of all the playground. I was very surprised to see the slide, the spinning wheel, the horses still in the park. Even though the paint had fallen off from the many times it had been coated on I remembered all the memories from that playground. I also went past my maternal's grandparents house. It took me a few tries to find it because they had changed it structurally and painted it very different colors. But it was still there in its brilliance. Last I went to the place of employment of my grandparents on both sides. It was sad to see the overgrowth of the buildings and the factory. But like myself time had to move on.
I look at the present. I see the changes in my parents and sometimes even though they are as sharp and bright as before it scares me. I marvel at my parents growth and willingness to keep a part of ministry and trying new things.
I see many more people retire, move and change. I even see differences in my relationships and how I am treated. Not all are desirable but a part of life.
But in the midst of the change I see some good things. I see new friendships forming and a self-confidence and peace I have not known before. I see a set of parents that I am grateful for and how glad I am able to help them during this time.
Despite the good, bad and uncertain I know that the Lord is with us. Isn't it good to see the hand of the Lord in the past but also in the present>
Philippians 4:6-7 says
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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