Is that all there is??

A Weekend Read!

Is That all There is?

As I was driving around running errands not long ago, I heard a familiar song on the radio it was Peggy Lee singing “Is That All There Is?” and it triggered a memory of when our children were young and impressionable.

I vividly remember one summer vacation with our five children.  Our eldest son was 13 and the “baby” was three.  We had agreed on this vacation on my behalf, to give me an opportunity to return to my birthplace in Northern Saskatchewan, a little ‘corner’ called Ratner, which was basically just a post office and store.

I am ever amazed at how vivid my memories are regarding my childhood experiences, grossly enhanced, to understate!

As we drove along the once familiar highways and side roads watching for landmarks, I noticed how dilapidated some of the farmyards and buildings were.  Many places that used to seem magnificent to me as a child, now showed signs of neglect and age; some had been abandoned and appeared forlorn and sad.

After listening to my childhood “tales” for many years about the beautiful landscapes, country roads and magnificent farm homes, our expectations were lofty compared to  what we saw! Our children, instead of being impressed, said, “Is that all there is?”

I assured them the destination of my childhood home would be worth the effort and patience of driving down dusty roads and getting lost and the continued search would be rewarded by the final view.  After much confusion and several disagreements we finally arrived at the “homestead” site, only to find a golden field of waving grain where my beloved farm buildings had once stood!  I remember the huge disappointment I felt as we stood there speechless.  My husband and children said, “Is this all there is?”

After allowing myself a few moments of grief, I announced the intent of visiting the “hub” of the community, the local co-op store where one could buy everything under the sun, which also housed the local post office.  I informed them of a special, fortunate aunt who lived across the road from this important community meeting place. 

As we drove down the sandy country tracks, I lost myself in memories of years past riding down this very road in a horse and buggy in summer or, in the winter, an enclosed wooden van with slick runners crunching through the snow, pulled by two beautiful black Percherons named Bubbles and Spark.  I recalled simpler times that were filled with warm family sing-a-longs, board games and other activities that fostered togetherness.

 

Soon our arrival jolted me into reality when on the corner of a crossroad, I beheld a small grocery store with faded lettering above the door, spelling out the word “CO-OP”.  I was relieved to see it was still operating but as we entered, I noticed more changes.  The black oiled floors had been replaced with new floor tiles and the old cash register was now a state-of-the-art computer.  Where the cloth bags of flour and sugar had been stacked were  freezers and Coke machines.  It had a look of an older 7-11 and my family said, “Is this all there is?” I, too was asking the same question.

The next stop was my coveted Aunt Mary's home, which was a huge two-story house across the road from the store. When we drove into the yard, I thought we were at the wrong place because the “large” house had diminished and the out buildings were badly in need of repair. The good thing was my Aunt was there and I knew she would have delicacies that I had envisioned in my mind and my taste buds. She was very happy to see me and my family and then announced we were going to her son’s, my cousin’s, for supper. 

This was a new farm not far from the “old” place but unfamiliar to me.  My cousin’s served us a wonderful old-fashioned farm dinner and our children had a good time with their second cousin’s.  As for me, I was disappointed that things were not what they used to be and I asked, “Is this all there is?”

As we drove into the town of Nipawin, I waited in anticipation to see the familiar sights  in my memory, but I realized that nothing ever stays the same in this world and as we came to rest in front of my old school, even it had been abandoned. The roads had been changed and the old bridge across the Saskatchewan River had been rebuilt with a  four lane highway across it and the little store where I had walked to purchase Popsicle’s and candy bars was just a gas station.  And I questioned, “Is this all there is?”

Finally, after numerous disappointments and defensive comments to my family, it was time to return to our campsite. As we drove in quiet reserve, the children napping, I realized the futility of  putting one’s hope of happiness in memories of the past. 
Don’t misread me, I have wonderful memories of times spent with my family as a child and love and acceptance and warmth but the material memories of those times have changed and become distant and distorted.


I realized my happiness was where I was and my blessings were numerous at that time in that place and in that car with my own family. It was a good lesson for me not to live in the past but to be thankful for my present life and it reminded me of the promise that God never changes.  He is always the same and no matter what our memories are or our spiritual experiences, there are greater promises still in store for us as we grow in Him and allow Him to work in us.
I learned to put all my trust in Him who is always with us and never disappoints us. I also learned that memories and past activities are not all there is. The reality and joy of living is a personal relationship with the  Saviour, Christ the Lord who never changes, disappoints us, and will never leave us alone.

There is an old hymn I’m reminded of:

Yesterday, Today, Forever, Jesus is the same. All may change but Jesus never

Glory to His name! Glory to his name, Glory to his name

All may change but Jesus never  Glory to His name.” 

Hebrews 13:8. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

I am so thankful that this life, what we see now and what we experience is “Not all there is” There is coming a time of great joy and fulfillment when the wondrous word of God will come to fruition and we shall see Jesus face to face to abide with Him forever more! Praise the wonderful name of Jesus!