I couldn’t help the feelings of nostalgia as we zipped by the interstate sign marking the Twin Falls State Park exit. The sun shone above the trees as we pursued our destination; to meet family for a celebration marking the ninetieth birthday of my husband’s precious grandmother.

As our car slipped deeper into the mountains, my mind wandered back twenty-years earlier. That inaugural trip to southern West Virginia came during the spring of our sophomore year of college.

Each moment of our weekend thoughtfully planned, visiting friends, family, and any place that held special memories of Ryan’s childhood. 

One afternoon included a trip to Twin Falls, where “Grandmother,” affectionately known by her six grandchildren, leaped from rock to rock along the creek bed. Turning back to us as we struggled to keep up, she joked,  “I bet you’ve never seen a sixty-nine year old woman do this,” jumping quickly along to the next boulder.

A bright smile filled her face, as her contagious excitement bubbled like the stream below.

We shared delicious homemade dinners, complete with tales of days gone by. Board games, large slices of Grandmother’s pound cake, and laughter carried us late into the evening.

I’d soon come to count on the sweet phrase uttered by Ryan’s grandpa upon every departure, “take care of my boy.” 

That trip marked the beginning of many encounters with this loving family who eagerly embraced me as one of their own. 

Upon our arrival to the nursing home, I felt a tinge of sadness as we piled out of the car. The cruel disease that robbed Grandmother of her memory, indicated she may never again recall our weekend adventure.

As our last remaining grandparent, it made these few hours spent in celebration feel all the more essential.

We were instantly greeted by excited family and friends as we walked down the hall toward the room designated for the event.

In the middle of the room, Grandmother, and guests joyfully celebrated a life well lived. The view was breathtaking as I witnessed the testimony of a woman through the faith and compassion of the family she had raised.

Although she asked time and again who the party was for, family and friends showered her with affection. On this day of merriment, Grandmother found pure joy in life, experiencing each moment with abandon.

During our return trip, I was met with unanswered questions as I caught a glimpse of the fall leaves, a subtle cue of the ever changing seasons.

How did twenty years pass so quickly?

Why did I allow much of that time slip away without slowing down long enough to find joy in simple things?

Our visit long ago didn’t include cell phones with cameras. It didn’t require that we capture the perfect image for social media, stealing our attention from the present.

Rather, it was comprised of pure enjoyment with one another taking in the beauty of God’s creation.

The very trees, rocks, mountains, and valleys I experienced decades earlier proudly displayed by the God who once spoke them into existence.

“Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which will not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth.

Old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven.” 

(Psalm 148:5&6-12&13 NASB)

This recollection sparked opportunity for growth…

Lean In…

Developing a relationship takes time, effort, and patience. The same is true as Christians, spending time with the Lord is far more than a religious duty.

It is an opportunity for us as believers to grow as His disciples, becoming more like the God we worship.

Far too often we approach time with the Lord as a task to be checked off the list. Slowing down to really dive into the text feels overwhelming and confusing. 

Nevertheless, we must recognize that we are not our best selves, unless fully engaged in relationship with the Lord.

When we don’t take time to lean in to the Lord, Satan uses that opportunity to expose our weaknesses. 

Selfishness, pride, and every ugly part of us begins to steal the joy from the simple moments.

Our ability to produce the fruit of Christ depends solely on connection to Him.

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. ‘Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.’”

(John 15:4-5, NLT)

Lean On…

The Bible is clear in its commands to love — calling us first to love the Lord and then our neighbors. (Matthew 22:37-40)

For me, the latter has always been a challenge, not because I don’t cherish those around me.

Rather, due to my awkwardness and fear, I naturally kept people at a distance, until the Lord radically turned my world upside down.

As God began breaking down my insecurities, I saw a desperate need to lean on family and friends to thrive in my journey.

Additionally, I came to understand the importance of surrounding myself with fellow disciples, for accountability.

Where do you find yourself today, dear reader? Is the Lord asking you to lean into Him for a deeper understanding of His goodness and grace? Or maybe in this season, you find yourself needing to lean on those He has placed in your path.

Heavenly Father, we ask that you would help us take a moment today to embrace the simple joys you have given us. From our relationship with you to the family and friends that impact our lives, may we never lose sight of your faithfulness in this season.

In Jesus Name, 

Amen