Why do multiple country songs refer to ‘the good ole
days’? Why do we like to reminisce, bask
in how things ‘used to be’? What memory
takes you back to a place of comfort, joy, peace and warms your heart?
Adulting does not come easy. No handbook exists for instructions on
specific situations you will face as an adult.
Google cannot provide answers to the struggles existing in
parenting. Facebook will not ease the
sadness and pain consuming us when life overwhelms or disappoints (though it
tries). Numbing out with alcohol, food,
drugs, internet, social media, etc. will not erase the damage done.
Countless events occur during life, many never
imagined possible back in ‘the good ole days’.
Our hearts break seeing the ways of the world and yearn for how things
‘used to be’. Is peace possible once
leaving the innocence of childhood? Can
comfort exist outside of a momma’s hug or a dad’s pat on the back? How can we laugh when so much stress sits on
our shoulders?
Maybe childhood was not easy for you. I am sorry to hear that my dear friend. But, even so, the world continues to increase
in speed, demands and challenges. The
tragedies of today supersede the past generations. Healthy coping mechanisms fade with each
generation. Comparison overwhelms our
children through social media, following them into adulthood. Around every turn, society seeps into our
thoughts to challenge our character. We
begin berating ourselves and ultimately criticizing God’s creation.
Being forced to slow down presented multiple lessons
in life. Explanations arose to why life
remained difficult. God revealed the
lack of faith, the clinched fists holding onto the past and my stubborn
attitude of “I got this”. I longed for
the days before life got tough. I longed
for someone to take the pain, difficulty and lack of confidence away. I longed for comfort, euphoria and the world
to slow down.
Well, the world continues fast pace; but, I slowed
down. I stopped to ‘smell the roses’. Sounds cliché, I know; but, stopping to smell
the roses is a must. If we fail to slow
down, we miss God’s presence. He appears
everywhere to assure peace, comfort and that He has our back!
The world demands answers, repairs, comfort, etc.
like yesterday. The world cannot wait
for anything. The world runs 100 MPH to
get nowhere. The world ranks by success,
judges by outward appearance and refuses to surrender due to pride.
God answers in His most perfect timing. The answer to a concern may not reveal immediately
– in comes faith. “1Now faith
is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
God repairs your broken heart. He takes each piece and begins to use it for
His good. He wants your past hurts,
mistakes and burdens. He uses each as
weaponry against the enemy and to shine His light. “17 The righteous cry
out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their
troubles. 18 The Lord is
close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18
God provides lasting comfort. A comfort that consumes every fiber of our
being. God catches each tear and
replaces it with purpose. He reveals His
power, glory and presence through comfort.
He works good out of unimaginable situations. Words may not be available in troubling
times; but, God knows what we need and provides as we trust Him. “27 And he who
searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit
intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in
all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have
been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:26-28
We need not long for the ‘good ole days’. We need not escape in a memory to find
peace. Slow down, enjoy this moment
right here, right now! God is walking
alongside, seeking a relationship, asking to take the burdens of today so you
can stop and smell the roses. No,
seriously, stop and smell the roses! The
beautiful scenery provided in this world was created by our God. Even more so, He created the beauty seen in a
reflection.
Slow down today, enjoy the moment and laugh. Yes, let’s laugh today! God bless each of you today!
Live life. . .One Day at a
time!
Sheree Craig
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