Standing the Test of Time

This past month several of my paintings were in an art show at the Old Coast Guard Station by the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. When I went back to pick up the paintings after the show, I snapped a few pictures of the area nearby.

Two things stood out in my mind.

The Old Coast Guard Station itself has been around for many years. Although it has been refurbished and is now a museum, it is a testimony to the test of time and the value it has provided. It functioned as a rescue station, with shipwrecks and those floundering off the Atlantic Coast in stormy weather. Throughout the years those associated with it through the Coast Guard saved many lives.
(You can learn more about the history and life-saving work it provided at: www.OldCoastGuardStation.com)

The grasses planted around the Boardwalk area and throughout Virginia Beach are lovely to look at. In the morning and evening light, the wheat-looking part at the top seems to light up and glow as the light hits it. Even with the slightest wind, they wave gently back and forth, with an occasional shake and shimmy if a strong gust catches them. Before winter sets in, though, they need to be cut back, almost down to nothing. They can look like freshly cut straw at that point. But the rewards of the cutting back can be enjoyed in the springtime, as fresh new growth pops up quickly and begins its wave and roll again.

These are two examples of timeless truths of life. Although there is no guarantee that either the building or the grasses will be here forever, the principles will remain.

The caring for others and wanting to help those needing rescue will always be an inherent desire in the soul of the human race, no matter how corrupt things appear on the outside at times in our history. Sometimes those desires and urges to help or care for others may be put on hold or buried for awhile, even cut down and punished. However, like the grasses cut back for the winter, spring with its new hope and life will come again. The sun (or Son?) will warm up the earth – and the hearts of mankind. Warmed hearts will once again reach out with love to those in need.

Whatever your season, whatever the condition of your heart today, or the measure of your “caring quotient,” remember that God’s love will always remain. His character and the principles upon which our world was built will alone prevail and stand the test of time. Shouldn’t we make sure to always stay close to his rescue station?

Take the time to thank God today that he will always be there with us and for us!