Slice of Life: Seasons on the Journey
Slice of Life: Seasons on the Journey: By Patty Spykstra
Over a year ago we moved from our home in Aurora, Colorado to a Villa. Basically a place where we don’t mow the lawn or shovel the snow, a place we can easily leave behind when in South Africa.
And a year later I am still unpacking boxes. Recently I was distracted and ended up dismantling bulky photo albums. Perhaps you know the type where you stick the pictures on the page and put the clear plastic covering over top. Years later most of the pictures are permanently stuck. As I attempted to pry off the faded pictures and favorite sayings, some since I was in 3rd grade, many ripped as I tore them off the page. A few pictures fared better, and I needed to determine whether to toss them in the trash or place these treasured memories in a better box-to look at another time?
Tim and I started dating in high school, married in college, and have called Colorado, California, Michigan and South Africa home. So that’s a lot of memories to process. Countless blessings. Many highs and of course some lows. Sorting through the albums I thought about this journey of life with ever changing seasons and living in many homes and communities. What stood out is that in each place I could belong because I knew I was loved by the Father. His faithfulness in each of these seasons is so evident.
Looking back, perhaps the vision of Oceans Ministries has been a lifelong theme. Together we have traveled through seasons of work, church ministry, meeting new people, raising a family, starting a non-profit, moving, becoming grandparents, and finding rest in our true place of belonging-knowing the Father’s Faithful Love.
In Colorado the morning air is crisp, and colorful leaves release their grip off the branches. Some are slowly drifting to the ground. Others the wind forcefully blows off. In South Africa signs of spring emerge and with the new life much hope and expectation.
Pondering this season, filled with parents reaching milestone birthdays, wonderful grandchildren, and so many ministry opportunities, I see His faithfulness evidenced in both fading photos and in the new ones on my phone. What a gift to rest in the goodness of the Father’s love. To remind myself I don’t have to figure out what tomorrow holds, and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me in His still small voice.
Trusting the Heavenly Father means believing He is sovereign. Means knowing that I have a place at the table in His presence, in His home whether in South Africa or Colorado. Life isn’t perfect and will always have ups and downs, and not all the boxes may be unpacked. But I know that whatever the season, my Faithful Father loves me, sees me, forgives me and welcomes me home, to the place where I will always belong.
“I have deeply loved you with a forever-love; that is why I have been so patient and kind to draw you to my heart” Jer.31:3
May you find that faithful Father and His rest in whatever season you may be in!
Amen Patty, sometimes we are forced to slow down and know that He is God.