By Mayor Randy Garrison

Most of us have heard the cliché that the only thing that remains constant is change. We go through change throughout our lives, from the time we are born until the day we take our last breath. We are born, go to school, get a job, many marry and have kids, kids grow up and leave the nest, we continue working, retire, hopefully and then one day all of us will transfer to eternity.

Regardless of the plans we may have, no matter how small or how large, change can take place. We can plan for tomorrow, or many tomorrows and tomorrows may never come for some. We can save for our future and someone else may get to enjoy those savings. We can plan for a long retirement and sickness of ourselves, or our spouse can change those plans.

As I have grown older and hopefully a little wiser, change hopefully comes a little easier. I am working to try and be thankful for my blessings instead of trying to make big changes at this point in life. I truly love my family, my job and my friends, all of which I am very thankful to God above for. I am thankful for His gift of salvation and the relationship I have with Him and the gift of His Holy Spirit to guide me through the changes of life.

Unless you live under a rock many changes happening around our nation and our world are troubling. Regardless of our you feel politically, we seem to have moved into a volatile state in our country. We have escaped much of the turmoil that many other parts of the world have endured for many years. This country has offered stability and safety, and with a healthy economy has made life much easier for many of the citizens of the United States. Even though there were differences of opinion, even in political parties they could come together for the sake of the citizens.

However, now it seems that if you disagree with someone politically, socially or any other way you automatically become enemies and must choose a side. I can completely disagree with someone politically and not consider them an enemy nor someone I need to fear or have feelings of hate towards them. We are all God’s children created in His image, now some folks make bad choices, but in the end all of us will stand accountable.

His word instructs us to love our neighbors, but also in Matthew 5:44 “⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (NIV)

But regardless of the changes that are taking place in our nation and the world, one thing I can hold fast to, through it all I am never alone. Through the storms of life He is the constant, never changing Holy and Almighty God.

Just as the words from Casting Crowns:

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth.

And I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand

You never left my side
Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.

 I know where my help comes from and that no matter what happens we need to give Him praise and even at the troubled times of our life He is always with us, no matter what change may come along.

Even when we are feeling alone and like we cannot go on and all is helpless, from Hillson this newer praise song with the following words can offer peace:

There was another in the fire
Standing next to me
There was another in the waters
Holding back the seas
And should I ever need reminding
Of how I’ve been set free
There is a cross that bears the burden
Where another died for me
There is another in the fire

Through it all, whatever changes or storms of life may come our way, He is our constant, never changing God of all.