I remember as a kid how the days seemed so long. In the summertime after breakfast, I would shoot basketball until the sun became too hot, and then I would ride my bike to cool off. Our neighbors had five children, and we would play kickball until it was too dark to see. Life was fun, and I was always excited to do it all over again the next day.
I can still recall the simple joys of running through clover as fast as I could for no reason except to feel the wind on my face. I made sure to wear shoes because being stung by a honeybee was not pleasant. I loved to lie down on our picnic table in the backyard and watch the clouds pass by. It was interesting to see them transform into amazing images that looked so real and always wondered if anyone else was noticing this awesome display.
On those lazy humid days when the temperature would soar, I would turn on the garden hose and run through the water sprinkler and then play with my trucks and bulldozers under the cool shade of the trees. When I heard the sound of a lone airplane, I would run out into the yard to try to locate it within an endless blue sky.
I remember climbing our cherry trees and sitting high in the branches sharing the delicious fruit with the numerous birds that had the same idea. I would pick cherries, and my mother would bake pies that were so delicious. I cannot recall being stressed or anxious about the future. I just believed everything would always stay this way and be all right.
Well, we all grow up and discover that our journey has seasons and is always moving forward. I’ve had a blessed life, and I’m learning that, of all the things we can do, living in the awareness of God’s glorious presence will provide the courage and faith we need to endure whatever may come.