Isaiah 35:1-10
One of the earliest memories I have about my parents is that of my mom walking my brother and I to a bus stop so we could catch the bus home. In retrospect I think she may have taken a wrong turn somewhere as I clearly recall walking alongside a very busy road, without a sidewalk. I remember being very scared as I felt the cars race by, clutching to my mom as she did her best to carry my brother in one arm while holding me close to her with the other.
Although I remember being afraid, I also remember being comforted. I felt very safe in my mother's arms and somehow knew she would get us home. I have to say I don't recall more about that day, but what I do remember is believing that as a 3 year old child I had parents who would protect me forever.
Most of my childhood memories are filled with good times and great fun spent with family. Sunday gatherings at aunty's house, playing with cousins, and quiet nights in my pajamas sitting on the floor watching TV while mom and dad sat on the couch are what most of my childhood memories are. I'm not saying our family was without fault, what I am saying is that our family found a way to get through those trying times and come out on the other side with a stronger bond.
Advent was always a special time in our home. Dad would climb a ladder to place garland on the ceiling, we would put Santa and reindeer stickers on the windows, when we got our tree mom would lead the whole family in tossing tinsel in a seemingly haphazard way onto it. As busy as my parents were in my childhood they somehow found ways to be together as a family to build the memories which would create a joyful time every year.
Sometimes I wonder how different it would have been if my mom hadn't been there to keep my brother and I safe alongside that road. I guess as a 3 year old we put our trust in those who hold us closest. As an adult I still hold my parents close to my heart and know they will do what they can to protect me, in the same way I will do what I can to protect them.
The same relationship I have with my family, as well as others, I also have with my God. There are many times in life we walk alongside roads which seem dangerous to us. However dangerous that road may seem, though, we have a God who walks with us, either carrying us in God's arm or holding us close to God. When we put our trust in God we find a way to eventually get to a place where happiness and joy are waiting for us.
The road to joy is not always easy, but when we travel it with God we somehow have less to worry about.
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