Yesterday, Today, Forever

This world we inhabit is constantly changing.  Sometimes, it seems to be changing so fast that I can scarcely wrap my brain around it.

Just a week or so ago, my two oldest daughters and I went to my parents' house once the moon was up and my dad hauled his telescope out onto the deck.  Now, I'm not talking about a little tabletop telescope.  I'm talking about a ginormous, free-standing telescope that I can barely get my arms around.  This guy takes his star gazing seriously.

That evening, we were looking at the craters on the moon.  It was an awesome sight--the first time the girls saw those craters up close.  We talked about why the moon has craters and the moon's relationship to Earth and men who walked on the moon...  But what really astonished me amidst those conversations was that every time a minute passed, dad had to adjust the telescope because the moon had moved out of viewing range.  I started to think about how fast the Earth spins... and how the moon zips around, orbiting it... and how the two are catapulting around the sun together at the same time... and I suddenly felt a bit dizzy!

Sometimes, I think, "Can't everything just stand still for ONE stinkin' minute?!!"

Maybe I should be careful what I wish for...  Life moves at a much slower pace in the Caribbean.

It seems like a lot of people I know are in the midst of a big life change right now.  Kids are going back to school in new grades with new teachers.  My father-in-law and sister-in-law are both starting new jobs.  Beloved babysitters are going off to college.  New babies are scheduled to arrive soon.  Football seasons are kicking off.

I can't think of another time in my life when I've been facing as much change as I am right now.  We have moved out of our home of seven years, away from a community I've been part of since I was five years old, and in less than 48 hours we'll be stepping into a long list of changes: new home, new culture, new language, new school, new job, new climate, new foods...new EVERYTHING!

And then, just as my blood pressure starts rising, I remember that not everything is changing.  There is one thing that never changes.

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

He never changes and no matter how chaotic everything in life seems--no matter how many unknowns we are stepping into--our relationship with Him gives us a rock-solid foundation to stand on.  When we stand with Him, we stand strong and steady.

Revelation 1:8 '"I am the Alpha and the Omega--the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come--the Almighty One."'