There is one thing we can count on in this world and that is change. Things, situations and people are always changing.

Growing up in a family of ten, with one income, money was stretched so thin you could see through it! As a result the clothes I wore were often hand me down-downs, well used, and often patched up. Thankfully my Mom was a very good seamstress and sewed a lot of our clothes, and so we never did without, but as I got older I wanted things that were new, more fashionable and in style, like my friends had.

When I was about thirteen years old, the new fashion trend in shoes were platforms. I wanted a pair so bad! Now I didn’t want these shoes to make me taller, I was already one of the tallest girls in my class. Which goes to show the teenage brain does not always function well! However, l reasoned I would be part of the hip “in” crowd and people would flock to be my friends, boys would think I was “groovy” and all would be right with the universe!

One day, out of the blue, my Mom decided to take me shoe shopping. You see, hand me down shoes didn’t work for me anymore because my size nine feet were bigger than all my sisters’; there are some advantages to being tall. What a treat to be out shopping alone with my Mom! I quickly spied a pair of high platform sandals and requested them in my size to try on. They had three or four inches of wood for a base, with a thin layer of leather acting as the insole for my foot to rest on and a wide tan leather strap going across my upper foot. I pranced in front of the foot mirror feeling like I was Peggy Lipton from Mod Squad. My Mom, however, looked at me like I had lost my mind and asked, “Are you sure you want those? They don’t look very comfortable.” Yes! Of course I wanted them! They were THE cool shoe to have! They were all the rage! So my Mom relented and home we went with my treasure. I was stylin’ and giddy with excitement!

Over the next few weeks I wore those platform shoes, at first with pride and my head held high but then, slowly, it began to hurt to walk in them. They were not comfortable, as you can imagine walking on slabs of wood wouldn’t be, and as much as I wanted to be cool, and part of the “in” crowd, I finally tossed those stylish shoes in a corner and with sweet relief went back to my old style shoes. No regrets!

Now, I wish I could say that was the last time I made such an error in judgement, but sadly I can’t. The instances have been numerous and some more painful and costly than others.

Fads come and go: opinions, cultures, fashions, political trends, celebrities, and so on. It is so easy to get caught up in the excitement and fervor of them and to look to them for our identity, but what happens when they fail, disappear and change?

I am left with sore feet, wasted money, embarrassment, a loss of identity, ruined relationships, etc. and feel lost, alone and hopeless.

Nothing lasts forever and that is scary! It leaves us feeling anxious, uncertain and constantly wondering when the bottom will fall out and who will have my back. We all long for something or someone who is solid and trustworthy, that we can hold on to and depend on to be there when we need help.

Well, my friends, there is one, and that is God. Scripture tells us that He never changes.

“In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the Heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”

Psalm 102:25-27

He has been the same from before the beginning of life as we know it and will continue to be even after everything is swept away.

That is why I can place my hope and trust in Him and His Word. He will never lie to, cheat, disappoint, abuse, reject, scorn or abandon those who turn to and put their faith in Him.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

James 1:17

Our Lord, is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the only constant in all Creation and promises to help us deal with every change that comes into our life. He has promised to “uphold us with His righteous right hand” and even if our grip should slip or let go, His won’t!

Dear ones, place your shaking hand in His and find rest. He’s got this!

Be well!

Patricia