When I was a little girl, I lived across the street from a park that had been created on a hilly incline with trees towering over and a creek slithering through it. There were shelters made out of boulders that smelled like charcoal from many a cookout. The rustic park also held all the traditional play equipment such as a see saw, sand box, and slide. These outdoor play structures would hold my attention for a couple of minutes but I would always gravitate to the swings.
These swings were not the ordinary ones you find today with all the protective seating and safety flooring to protect against falls. No these swings were set on top of the hill and had an extra high suspension bar. So when you got on and pumped a couple of times you were immediately taken out over the hilly incline where falling off would surely mean at least a bruised knee or sprained ankle.
It was on these swings that I spent many an afternoon contemplating about life, suspended between my real world, with all its problems to my carefree imaginary one. Each time I would lean back and pump my legs, I would be left drifting in space, with the worries of the day crumbling underneath me.
Oh to be young again and have an imagination that could lift me out of the day to day reality of life. Oh but I have something so much greater! Paul writes in Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the PEACE of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I am forever thankful that God has given us all a way to have peace in our minds and our hearts. But just for the fun of it, I think I will return to the park on the hill, locate my favorite swing, and enjoy the ride.