I’ve recently returned home from Kentucky. The family farm has been sold. All of the farm possessions have been distributed or donated. While the farm is no longer owned by a Richardson, fond memories of this plot of land and what it has meant to our family are abundant.

As part of my “goodbye” to this neck of the woods, I took a walk to the river. The Kentucky River was an important part of the lives that lived along its banks. Sand-loving crops were grown on the banks of the Kentucky. Fish caught in the river were eaten on a regular basis. Part of their livelihood stemmed from this river.

As I walked the meandering path, there were a few pieces of information I tucked away. First, it was a long way down and back…up and down hills in warmer weather than I’m used to was a bit much as well.

Second, things had changed. There were no signs of the old farmhouse. One might even believe there had never been another house!

Third, the beauty was staggering! It’s a different beauty than Colorado, but the green, lush meadows up against tall Hickory Nut trees held my attention.

And finally, the river hadn’t changed. It has remained the same through the years and is still as peaceful and steady as it always has been.

I believe we can pull some lessons from this little walk of mine. Things about God and our relationship with Him that are important to remember. Let’s see what we can learn.

First, our spiritual walk with God is a journey. As we walk along the path with God, we will meander. We’ll face the up and down moments. We may have to put some effort into it. We may even lose our way at times. But our final destination is worth every bit we put into it. And when we can’t seem to take one more step, God is always available to pick us up and carry us the rest of the way.

Second, this relationship with God is always changing. Here’s the thing though. God doesn’t change; it’s me who must change. Transformation is what we call it. As I grow spiritually, God’s Spirit shows me areas of my life that are not in line with God’s Word. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I change.

Third, God’s beauty amazes me! Yes, this world God created is beautiful, but God Himself is beautiful. King David tried to grasp God’s beauty. He wrote, “Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us.” (Psalm 90:17 – NKJV) And, “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4 – NIV) With all of the ugliness of sin around us, it is refreshing to know and cling to God’s beauty.

Finally, we learn that God never changes. Scripture confirms this lesson. Look at Malachi 3:6 (NIV). God Himself says, “I the Lord do not change.” We read in James 1:17 (NIV) that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” God’s love, compassion, faithfulness, grace, forgiveness, etc. has not and will not change. You can count on it.

My short visit to Kentucky was such a blessing to me. I was inspired. I honored those who came before me. I connected to my heritage. And in the midst of it, God showed up in mighty ways. How blessed I truly am!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna