Where Has the Time Gone?

I was rushing around recently getting ready for a trip to visit my son, Ryan, and his family. They live in Libertyville, Illinois, on Sunnyside Lane. Now doesn’t that sound like it is right out of a movie? I don’t like traveling around Chicago to get there, but once we are there, it is a lovely community. Sounds a lot like life on our way to heaven, right?

I love to reminisce and have thought a lot about Ryan this morning. It was just yesterday (seems like) that he was a little boy standing at my side watching me put on my make-up. Now, I am on my way to see his kids — George, eight; Andrew, six; and little Sarah who is four years old. Where did the time go? I mean it, where did it go? I just want to say to life … SLOW DOWN!

That is why we must take each minute to enjoy and not rush past the lovely times that will someday be our memories. Stop and “make some memories.” Those are not always the big Disney World trips. They can be walking in the yard and examining — really looking — at the flowers and in our yard, looking at the mole holes.

The other day I was sitting on my porch swing facing our side yard. At that very moment, all was at peace and I was just wallowing in the good feeling of the sun, the swing’s movement and the beauty of God’s nature. Are you moving too fast these days and enjoying life less? Stop and take a deep breath, walk a little slower and enjoy the trip. The trip through life that is!

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Patricia Harvey

The Rollercoaster We Call “Life”

I am certain most everyone in my age bracket (early 30s) has been to Cedar Point at some point. I remember going there in the eighth grade with the junior high youth group. It was a BLAST! The rain, cold and motion sickness couldn’t bring us down. We were having the time of our lives!

I am convinced that junior high brains are not completely developed. I wouldn’t even consider going to Cedar Point today. I get motion sick just turning around in a circle. And in the rain ... doubt it! My hair would look terrible!

Life for me right now is a little bit of a rollercoaster, sometimes exciting, sometimes overwhelming and scary! I have some great things going on right now, great friends, great husband, a trip to Italy and a little baby on the way. But I also have some really sad things too. My grandmother is in hospice from a stroke. This has been very difficult for me and for my family. It makes me feel guilty for going on my long-awaited and planned vacation fearing that she will die while I am gone.

Where is God on the rollercoaster of life when it feels out of control? I always try to go back to what I know about God. I know God is good, and even in the bad, terrible situations He is still there. Sometimes that is hard to believe, especially when the rollercoaster is out of control or stuck on the top. So where is God on the rollercoaster? I think God is right in the rollercoaster with us. He is sitting next to us with His hands up screaming with excitement, holding our hand when we are scared, being the seatbelt holding us in or the mechanic to get us un-stuck. Bottom line, He is there, and He is good!

Michelle Heriford