Changing Landscapes

Landscapes

copyright Millie Plastaras

7/7/2004

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none,and their tongue fails for thirst, I the Lord will hear them!I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
Isaiah 41:17

Have you ever been on a trip, and as time passed,and you were driving down the roads you would see so many different kinds of landscapes? Some places have lush forests, and are teeming with greenery,and wildlife. Some places are dry, arid desert scenes, with unusual plants and flowers, and wildlife that is different from any place else.

Some places are tropical with thick foliage and carpeted with ferns and wild orchids and laced with tall vines.There are so many different places in the world, it is a constant source of wonder to us.

In my own life, I have thought of the landscapes I have seen. I was born in a beautiful small town in West Virginia. Close to the mountain, lush and green,and quiet and very serene. A beautiful place to start life.Friendly neighbors, small caring churches, and lots of family.But I was terribly ill, and the doctor said my mother and I wouldn't live through another winter if we didn't move.

So my whole family packed up and moved, to Tucson, Arizona. What a difference! Dry heat, cactus everywhere,scorpions, gila monsters, all kinds of new things. It took me a long time to adjust to this new landscape. But Arizona had the most beautiful skies I had ever seen.Spectacular sunsets, and gorgeous sunrises, with the most beautiful colors interwoven in them I had ever witnessed. Raging, unexpected thunderstorms that filled the skies with some of the greatest lightning shows in the world.But this new landscape helped change my health, and warm the lungs that were struggling for air.

In my late teens I moved to California. With it's beautiful beaches, and many kinds of scenery. It has beautiful mountains you can ski on, a variety of beaches, and as you travel up the coasts the beaches become more beautiful and rustic .With northern California even having occasional pine trees located on small lone islands close by the beach. A fascinating picture, where you can see the clouds rising out of the water. Or the beautiful Redwood forest,with trees rising as temples to the sky, tall and majestic, a testament to Gods glorious creation.

All of this reminded me of the changing landscape of my own life. People who were so familiar and dear when I was a child, it seemed as if they were a rock of strength to me. Dear, loving, strong wise, and very protective of me. And then one by one, they were all gone.

I grew up, and I had my own children, and watched them grow up through so many difficult times. We struggled and fought to make ends meet, and to raise the children right so that when they faced the world, they would have all the knowledge and wisdom needed to make it. It seemed like a constant battle sometimes, we went through so much together. They were so precious to me,they were a source of joy and my greatest focus for aa long time. And then they grew up and left as they matured and started their own lives. Some moving far away,and we wouldn't be able to see them often.

It was sucha big change. Suddenly, it was just me and my husband. So different from years spent taking care of everyone else. The loneliness crept in for both of us, and we missed what once had been, and people we knew, and it took time to adjust to who we are now, and who is with us now. And to the changing landscape in our health and daily lives.

People in our lives, yours and mine, will come and go with the passing of time. Some will be around us most of our lives, some for just a short period of time.Some leave through anger, or disagreements. Some leave by moving away. Some leave by death. Some leave, because it is just time ... the relationship has taken it's course and they move on with their lives.All leave a mark on our heart, and when they are gone the landscape in our life changes.

Did you ever feel you were in unfamiliar territory and nothing seemed familiar or welcoming? It all seemed disheartening and lonely, and a bit intimidating? I have, and I know that you all have.

This is part of life. Changes are inevitable.The changing landscape of time comes for all of us.The secret is, it is just the changing of the guard.We are on the way from here to there. And on this journey, we meet many. For a time they enrich our lives,and hopefully we remember to do that for them, while they are with us.

I have learned to count my blessings and be thankful for those who have come and gone. And to savor times with those still here in my changing landscape. To make each moment count, and to say loving things to those who are near and dear to me now. Not to miss a chance to express my love and joy at having them with me.

But the most important thing of all is.. the changing landscape from earth to heaven. From the bonds ofthis earth, to the richness of heaven's glory, into thearms of God. Just a change in landscape and freedom from the pain of this earth, and a arrival into all God has waiting.My friend, make sure you ready for that trip? Make sure you ask Jesus to be your Savior. Let him guide you through this varying landscape called earth. And when people come and go, remember He never leaves nor forsakes us. He is with you from birth to death, to the new landscape in heaven.

There is one constant in this life. Jesus Christ, the rock of our salvation. You will never be alone or deserted my friends. You have a anchor for your soul. So when you see the landscape changing in your life, it is the beginning of another portion of your life, look for the possibilities and make them count.

Remember the past with love,but move on, and enjoy now.. while it is here.Love deeply, forgive easily, and live for Christ, that is what will matter more than anything else you ever do. Don't let the changing landscape scare you, consider it a wealth of possibilities!

remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last