When I look back on this photo, it is hard to believe that it was taken just over a year ago. And perhaps what is even harder to believe is all the change that has taken place since this photo was taken.In this photo are two young kids in love, with not a care in the world, happily embracing each other in the midst of a lovely Fall day in Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri. But the story behind the photo is actually one that is full of so many things going on! For starters, I was probably avoiding my Hebrew homework and a walk with Lauren was the perfect distraction. Lauren was most likely done with work for the day and whenever she finished work and there was daylight, a walk was almost guaranteed. Our walks in the park were often filled with conversations about our next few days, weeks, and months, and all the things we had to do to prepare for them.
The one thing we knew was that we were going to experience A LOT of change. In fact, on this walk, the biggest change that was coming was getting married. Lauren and I were about a month away from saying our “I do’s” and beginning our life together. And that was just the first of the major changes in our life. In the months following, we would have interviews with churches from around the country. All of those led up to “Call Day” when we found out that God had called us to serve at St. Andrew. And just a few weeks after that I would finally graduate Seminary! And the months following that would include: ordination, moving across the country to a new place, installation, and starting work as a pastor. Not to mention, Lauren would begin traveling for work just a few shorts weeks after. In just 12 months there has been so much change in our lives that we often found ourselves wondering when things would settle down and we would find a routine again.
Isn’t that just how life is sometimes? Always something to do, or somewhere to be, or someone to see. The hustle and bustle of life can pull us in so many directions and that often leads to us missing the opportunity to simply take a look around us and enjoy “a walk in the park.” With all of the big changes and transitions in our life done, at least for now, Lauren and I have finally had some time to start going on walks again. And in those walks, we get a chance to talk about all the changes in our life and yet the one thing that remains the same, the presence of God.
God’s presence has been the one constant in our lives. Through all the change and the new challenges and even a new place to walk, He is with us. And what an incredible gift it is to know that God is with us, at all times, and in all places. I’m reminded of the words God spoke to Joshua as he began to lead Israel, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Friends, wherever you go and whatever changes might come your way, don’t forget to take some time to look around and enjoy “a walk in the park.” And know that through it all, God goes with you.
Friends, wherever you go and whatever changes might come your way, don’t forget to take some time to look around and enjoy “a walk in the park.” And know that through it all, God goes with you.