by WhisperPenSitting on my bed, enjoying the warmth of the sun and my morning coffee, I gaze out the window and notice the endless stream of people passing to and fro, busily consumed with their daily lives. This causes me to reflect on my own life and see distinct seasons unapparent during their time but each leaving an indelible impact on who I have become today.
One such season began February 1973, when I first left home. A move generated by the need to be free from the surrounding turmoil and heartache, of which I had no control.
Nearly six years later, exactly 40 years today, on 17th December 1978, I came face to face with another event in my life of which I had no control. The flash flooding of the Barwon River which destroyed everything I owned except my 1963 Ford Falcon.
In 1976 I purchased a caravan and moved into the quiet caravan park beside the Barwon River while I saved up to buy a house. The day started as normal, with no indication of the devastation to come. Around noon, people started to stir, and voices became raised. The Barwon River had broken its banks and the levy bank had crumbled. I recall seeing the heavy steel grate outside my van, fly 3 meters into the air as the raging flood waters surged up from beneath.
There was now a desperate scramble to get the caravans out. Don’t ask me why but I leant my only tow-ball to a man in need, so he could take his caravan to safety. He promised to bring it straight back, so I could hook the van up and escape. I patiently waited for an hour then drove my car to the safety of high ground, and quickly ran back, hoping he’d return. He didn’t. I never saw him again.
Only two caravans were left, and one was mine. At the age of 22, I sat alone on top of my uninsured flooded caravan watching the flood waters steadily rise and devour the land. Not long later I was rescued by a passing boat and said goodbye to my waterlogged home. With no prior warning, within a few hours, I had lost everything I owned except my beloved 63 Ford XL.
That was 40 years ago today, and my first experience, although minor, of losing everything and starting again. Although at the time of loss or heartache, I may not understand the “why”- I firmly believe everything has a purpose, and as mentioned at the beginning of this blog, as I reflect on my life and see the distinct events within seasons, each occasion has had an impact on who I have become today.
Gazing out my window, sipping my coffee, I realize the things I once thought valuable and cared so deeply for are now no more. The person I was, is no more. Old friends and loved ones have passed away, and valuable possessions no longer hold their attraction. It’s true, having wealth and possessions and career can bring comfort, but only physical. History sadly tells of successful and wealthy people, dying alone and in regret.
Each one of us has endured seasons that have helped mould us into who we are today. Some ecstatically high others shatteringly low, but each with their own purpose.
Now I look past the strivings of today, to see its significance in the value of a life changed for eternity. The true value is measured by the time and care spent with others. Quality time with family and friends; looking for the good in people, helping the hurting and reaching out to those in need. Loving others without agenda, this brings a fullness of life unexplainable.
God the Father sent His only Son Jesus into a broken world. He came with nothing but left with the love of countless hearts. We are His great value, His great love, and His great worth, and we have His love within us to pour into the lives of others. This is real value and worth.
As I reflect on one of my first lessons in life, when I sat on the roof of the flooded caravan, thinking about what looked like loss, I now appreciate the hidden lesson to always hold loosely the treasures we are blessed with, to discover the true value in this life – to know I am greatly loved by God, and to love others as much as God loves me.
This is what I want to be busily consumed with during my daily life, and for this I need Gods help every day.
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.
