According to the experts, hummingbirds are expected to leave the part of central Texas where I live on October 10th. As I write this on October 22nd, the hummingbirds have already been gone from our ranch for about three weeks. That means that they left ahead of schedule! Nonetheless, they are gone, urged on by some internal drive that has given them instructions to head south for their winter home. With their internal time clocks, these small creatures will return in April.

Do we have an internal drive that turns us to God? When we are faced with strife, trouble, or joy, what is our response?

This week, I had lunch with some friends, several of whom have young grandchildren. Nearly to a person, these friends said something like, "Well, our children had our grandchildren baptized, but they don't go to church nor do they see that their children attend any kind of church-related activities."

That discussion causes me to ask where our young people turn when they face life's most difficult problems. If they were raised in a practicing Christian family, does their internal drive cause them to consider seeking God's help, His strength, and His answer?

The answers to that question will probably vary from family to family, and from child to child. For those of us who were raised with the idea that the ultimate answer to all our pain and questioning is given by God, we cannot imagine life without the comfort of knowing that God is ultimately in control. We take this Scripture to heart:

Philippians 4:6-7 – 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. (NIV)

Where else can we turn but to God? We know that all human answers are frail and incomplete.

Prayer: Father God, hear our prayers and help us to turn to You always. In so doing, may we set the perfect example for families and friends. Amen.

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About the author:

Saranne (Punky) Penberthy <saranne.penberthy@gmail.com>
Clifton, Texas, USA
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