WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT?

Bill’s dad was a short wave radio operator.  He connected with people around the world.  We often talk about how he would absolutely have a blast with today’s technology.  I never met him, but I can picture him hitting that camera button and talking with someone in England or France or who knows where.  He would have loved the ability to “see” the person, not just hear them.  Who would have thought?

My dad was a trucker.  A big rig guy.  He would have enjoyed a CB Radio to talk to other drivers.  I can hear him saying, “Hey good buddy, your back tire is low.” And what a blessing a cell phone would have been.  I can see him pulling a phone out of his pocket and saying, “Call home.” We would have known he was safe and mom would have known what time to expect him home.  Who would have thought?

Although I do not remember him, my grandpa, on my mother’s side, was a farmer.  He raised a family on 40 acres.  They had a few chickens and probably some cows and pigs.  I am told he had a sense of humor and loved to tell stories on himself.  A favorite story was about the time he was building a fence.  It was only when he put the last board up that he realized there was a problem.  He had not put in a gate.  Oh, I wish I had known him.  But, what would he think of the farm equipment today?  I bet he would love auto-steer.  I bet it is easier than steering a horse to make a straight line.  I can picture him crawling into a combine, asking a gazillion questions, and then telling all about it while sitting on the liar’s bench.  Of course, he would not have stretched the story any.  Who would have thought?

From a small TV screen to a screen that can cover half of the living room wall.  From taking a picture and waiting to have the film developed to instant picture.  From writing with pen and paper to writing my blog on an iPad.  From putting a letter in the mail to sending off an email or text.  Who would have thought?

Times sure do change!  When I look back there are very few things that are the same as when I was young.  Except for ….

Except for God.  Isn’t that amazing?  God was the same for my father-in-law, my father, and my grandfather as he is for me.  The same!  He listened then.  He listens now.  He gave them grace and forgiveness and love.  He gives grace, forgiveness and love now.  He cared then.  He cares now. 

Know what?  I really, REALLY like that.  God is the same!  It gives me peace to know that He was there when my father-in-law connected with someone on the far side of the world.  It gives me comfort to know that He was there keeping my dad safe.  It gives me great joy to know He was there just waiting for grandpa to realize he had not put in a gate.

In a world that is constantly changing, I can find peace, comfort, and joy in a God who is the I AM – the Alpha and the Omega – the First and the Last.